News
U.S. Public Debut of 2009 TBM 850

The 2009 TBM 850 demonstrator

April 24, 2009, Lakeland, FLA – DAHER-SOCATA is introducing its latest version of the TBM 850 to the U.S. market at this year’s 35th annual Sun ‘n Fun fly-in, being held April 21-26 at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Florida.

Featured with a new standard paint scheme, the 2009 TBM 850 demonstrator brought to Sun ‘n Fun incorporates the new optional Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT), which now is available for the very fast turboprop aircraft’s Garmin G1000 all-glass integrated flight deck.  The SVT provides three-dimensional depictions of the terrain, obstacles and traffic on the G1000’s primary flight displays – providing enhanced situation awareness.

As a result, the TBM 850’s instrument panel replicates what pilots would see outside the cockpit in a clear day, and the large format displays reduce workload and fit well into a normal cockpit scan.

DAHER-SOCATA also is actively promoting the F.A.S.T (Fly and Share Your TBM) co-ownership program to prospective buyers in the U.S. market. This program, launched one month ago, opens purchase opportunities for a one-third or two-thirds share of a brand-new TBM 850 on a co-ownership basis. For the one-third share, a minimum 100 days of exclusive use is provided per year on an unlimited flight hour basis – which differs from traditional fractional programs requiring the purchase of annual flight hours that are either used or lost.

The annual Sun ’n Fun fly-in began in 1975 and brings together enthusiasts from around the world for a unique aviation experience. Last year, more than 160,000 visitors attended Sun ’n Fun, and a record 520 commercial exhibitors showcased the latest in aviation products and technology.

“We’re pleased to be able to showcase our newest TBM 850 at Sun ’n Fun, which is one of the world’s premier aviation events, and is the annual gathering that launches the aviation season in America,” said Nicolas Chabbert, President of SOCATA North America. “The unique combination of the F.A.S.T incentive ownership program and the aircraft’s excellent range –plus its good useful load and jet-like speed – continues to make the TBM 850 a preferred option for many buyers. In addition, its environmental friendliness and lower cost of operation are particularly attractive attributes today.”

The TBM 850 is available via DAHER-SOCATA’s existing direct sales and distribution network, and is supported by its extensive worldwide network of service centers.

Since the TBM 850’s launch at the end of 2005, this aircraft has become an international success – with more than 200 sold, and over 150 delivered to customers around the globe.
The TBM 850 is the world’s fastest single engine turboprop, with a maximum cruise speed of 320 KTAS at 26,000 ft. (in ISA conditions). An 850-shp version of SOCATA’s proven six-seat TBM 700 turboprop business aircraft, the TBM 850 combines the cruising speed and travel times typical of light jets with economical direct operating costs, while offering the range and excellent payload capacity of turboprop aircraft.