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TBM-850 at the Monaco Yacht Show

2011-09-21 18:09

Who: Daher-Socata
What: TBM 850 single turboprop aircraft
Where: Monaco Yacht Show
When: 21-24 September 2011

Monaco Yacht Show becomes the Monaco Air Show as the Daher-Socata TBM 850 is put through its paces

How much does it cost to fly to Monte Carlo? Well, it depends how much you can afford, but to do so in style there are few better options than your own private plane. $3.2 million is quite a price-tag, but the TBM 850, from Daher-Socata, is quite an aircraft. Since its launch in 2005, the world's fastest single turboprop has become a huge international success, with more than 240 of them delivered up to September this year. That accounts for nearly half the total fleet from the manufacturer, which this year celebrates its centenary.



Daher-Socata's hundred years of continuous aircraft production began in 1911 with its predecessor company, Aeroplanes Morane-Saulnier. Over the course of a century, they have been responsible for shipping 17,000 aircraft to more than 70 countries; and their glorious history continues with the TBM 850, one of the most popular private planes in history.

Combining the speed and trip times of a light jet with the economy, range and eco-friendliness of a turboprop, the TBM 850 is known both for its versatility and convenience. The ability to land at small airports is, of course, a crucial component in the pleasure of owning one of these legendary planes, but combine that with the balance between maximum range and useful load - greatly enhanced on the 2011 model - and you have an object of real envy. And nowhere is that more the case than at the Monaco Yacht Show, where the TBM 850 will be showing off its looks and impressive capabilities this week.



"Our private aircraft offer complimentary transportation to the yachting world," says Nicolas Chabbert (Senior VP, Airplane Division) "and the TBM 850 is a very fast turboprop which perfectly fulfils this mission with performance and flexibility, allowing the rapid transport of yacht owners and guests to their port of registry or to their business destination."

For its centenary celebrations, Daher-Socata is providing the TBM 850 with an Exclusive Maintenance Program for five years (or 1,000 flight hours), including scheduled maintenance costs and annual inspections. In addition, warranties are extended to five years for avionics, five years for systems and seven years for the airframe.

About Daher

Founded in 1863, Daher is an independent equipment and services supplier to the aerospace, nuclear, defence and industry sectors, concentrating on three core activities: manufacturing, services and transport. With 6,700 employed in 14 countries, Daher has tripled in size over six years and now has an annual turnover of in excess of $1bn. Daher-Socata is the aerospace division, highly respected for their expertise in four complementary activities: aircraft manufacturing, aerostructures, services and technology specialties.


TBM 850 statistics

Powerplant
PWC PT6A-66D turboprop
Nominal power: 850 shp
Usable fuel capacity: 291 US Gal (1,100 litres)

Dimensions
LOA 34.92 ft (10.645 m)
Wingspan 41.6 ft (12.680 m)

Loading
Maximum take-off weight 7,394 lbs (3 353 kg)
Basic maximum payload 1,443 lbs (659 kg)
Maximum payload with max. fuel 900 lbs (407 kg)
Maximum luggage in storage 331 lbs (150 kg)

Performance (ISA conditions, MTOW, no wind)
Maximum cruise speed 320 KTAS (593 km/h)
Time to climb to 26,000 ft 15 min
Certified ceiling 31,000 ft (9 449 m)

Distances (ISA conditions, MTOW, no wind, 50 ft obstacle clearance)
Takeoff 866 m
Landing 741 m

Maximum range (ISA conditions, MTOW, no wind, 45 min fuel reserve)
At long-range settings with maximum fuel 1,585Nm (2,935 km)

Price (for 2011 delivery)
Standard equipped aircraft: $3,130,967
Average equipped aircraft $3,293,827