Daher announced today it will add a new turboprop version to its line, the TBM 930, which differs from the 900 mainly in its avionics system and an upgraded interior. The 930 will have a Garmin G3000 avionics suite, with touchscreen controls and three wide-format displays. The new interior features redesigned seating and headrests, new choices for wood or carbon finishes, and polished metal accents. Didier Kayat, CEO of the Daher group parent company, said more than 50 new aircraft in the TBM 900 and TBM 930 versions are expected to be delivered in 2016. “The availability of these two aircraft underscores Daher’s sustained ambition in business aviation,” he said, “and is a message to our customers that we continue to invest to expand and further improve our TBM family.” The airplane sells for about $4.1 million.
Daher also said it is adding an “e-copilot” function for both the TBM 900 and TBM 930, incorporating an angle of attack calculator that provides angle of attack information on the primary flight display. The system also adds electronic stabilization and protection systems and under-speed protection, which are connected to the AOA computer. These systems assist the pilot in maintaining the aircraft in a stable flight condition, the company says. The system also adds an emergency descent mode in the autopilot, which places the aircraft in automatic descent to a safe altitude of 15,000 feet in the event of cabin depressurization and lack of pilot response. New voice alerts provide notification on stall, overspeed, landing-gear status and oxygen-mask use, replacing aural sounds as warning identification.
Daher says it has sold 110 of the TBM 900 turboprops since it was introduced two years ago. The 930 was unveiled this week at a press event in France, but there is no 930 model on display at Daher’s Sun ‘n Fun exhibit.
