TBM 700C2

EADS Socata announced Monday that the TBM 700C2, latest version of the high-speed turboprop (announced at Oshkosh), has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

This is a major step for the TBM 700 program, which was the first civilian pressurized single turboprop ever certified (in 1990), and whose first flight dates back to 1988.

Through 10 years of refining the TBM, the C2 is the culmination of constant commitment to customers since the initial "A" version of 1990, followed by the TBM 700B, with a large door and optional pilot door in 1999; and the "Freighter" version (directly below) developed in 2001.

Its most pronounced new feature is its strengthened airframe (spar box and wings attachments) allowing a maximum take-off of 7394 lbs. (3,354 kg) instead of 6,578 lbs. (2,984 kg). This maximum takeoff weight increase enables the new version to deliver bigger payload/range performance to TBM operators.

A 1,074 NM maximum range with 45-min fuel reserves has been calculated for the C2 with a 1,347 lbs. (611 kg) at (max cruise) 300 KTAS. Carrying an 805-lbs. (365-kg) payload the new TBM can take-off with full fuel and fly over a 1,565 NM distance with 45 min fuel reserves.

The C2 maximum take-off weight increase results in a 65 KIAS accepted by the Amendment 44 of FAR Part 23 for an aircraft equipped with 20-g dynamically-tested passenger seats. Heavy wheels and 10 ply-tires (instead of 8 ply) are also specific to this version.

The TBM 700C2 (detailed at NBAA this year) is available for delivery in the USA and in all the countries accepting FAR 23 Amendment 44 as a certification rule, and all over the world for aircraft operated under US-registration. TBM 700C2 fulfills the needs of operators who request long-range capability.

For other countries:

For customers from other countries, EADS Socata will offer the version "C1." These aircraft have the strengthened structure of the C2, but without the 20-g seats and the sturdier wheels and tires. It retains 6,579-lbs (2,984-kg) maximum takeoff weight and features equivalent performance and weight figures as the current TBM 700B. Fast and light weight, the TBM 700C1 is perfectly suitable for short-haul routes and well tailored for European customers.

The C1 benefits from all the evolutions now included in the C2 in terms of comfort and avionics such as: 

• the Honeywell ECS/VCS, new environmental control and air conditioning systems with higher cooling capacity and automatic temperature control;
• An additional luggage compartment located behind the pressurized cabin.
• New interior with wood-veneered face, top and sides leather covered cabinets.

Impressive panel...

The TBM 700's avionics suite is built around proven equipment familiar already available on 2002 models including a full communication and navigation suite with dual Garmin GNS 530s combining IFR GPS receivers with large color moving maps and fully digital, 3,040-channel (25kHz & 8,33 kHz spacing) communication system. Thanks to a huge database, the GNS 530 provides the same level of information airline pilots receive from their flight management system.

Additionally, the TBM 700 C panel includes the Honeywell Integrated Hazard and Awareness System (IHAS 8000); The IHAS 8000 is an advanced interactive system that integrates the four major airborne safety systems:

• Position awareness using moving map technology
• Traffic awareness through the KMH 880 Sensor
• Weather information from the ART RDR 2000 weather radar and WX 500 Stormscope. KMD 850 can be interfaced with a KDR 510 weather datalink system (option available only in the USA)
• Terrain information from the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System of the KMH 880, which protects against controlled flight into terrain and combines a timely alert/warning capability with a terrain display output.

Trend monitoring and maintenance enhancements, too:

Also standard on the TBM 700 is the Shadin ETM 700 trend monitoring system, which enables the pilot to monitor the health of the engine in real time. Last new feature, the ELT, now connected to the GPS, is located in a dedicated compartment with external access for easy checking.

Technical teams at EADS Socata worked 18 months to complete the certification program. The entire flight envelope has been investigated on two prototypes: the TBM 700 'prototype 02,' loaded up to 7,600 lbs. for flight controls and performance testing; and the TBM 700C2 prototype. They  have performed respectively 83 hours and 43 hours of intensive flight testing.

As of March 1st, a total of 230 TBM 700s have been delivered worldwide, of which 134 are registered in the USA and 59 in Europe (with 20 in service with French Air Force and 8 with French Army Aviation); other aircraft are in service in Australia, Japan and Indonesia.
 
EADS Socata is Europe's leading General Aviation manufacturer, with an annual average production of 100 aircraft; and it is an industrial partner of major aerospace programs, such as the latest Airbus A380 and Falcon 7X business trijet. Its headquarters are at Paris Le Bourget Airport, with a 128 acres industrial park located at Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrenees Airport, near Toulouse.

Tomorrow: specs!

FMI: www.socata.eads.com