Very Fast Turboprop Now Equipped With Speedy Glass Panel

And the G1000 juggernaut continues. Garmin International Inc. announced Tuesday EADS Socata has selected the Garmin G1000 integrated avionics suite for the TBM 850, the world’s fastest single engine civilian turboprop. 

“The TBM 850 is a proven turboprop aircraft that offers jet-like performance and excellent short-field capability,” said Gary Kelley, Garmin's vice president of marketing. “We already have a great relationship with Socata based on our experience of providing them Garmin panel mount equipment for the TBM 850.  We look forward to taking our relationship to the next level by offering TBM 850 customers the unparalleled avionics integration only found in the G1000.”

“Our customers asked for an integrated cockpit panel that would ease pilot workload, save weight and reduce the cost of ownership,” explained Jean-Michel Léonard, EADS Socata’s chairman and CEO.  “Jacques Lordon, our vice president of general aviation, and his engineering design team evaluated and tested all the systems offered on the market during the past several years and they concluded that the Garmin G1000 with its new autopilot was the best choice.”

Garmin’s all-glass flightdeck in the TBM 850 presents all flight-critical data -- from engine and flight instrumentation to navigation, communication, weather, terrain and traffic data — digitally on three large-format, high-resolution displays. The 15-inch MFD is flanked by two 10.4-inch PFDs (primary flight displays). Behind the large, sunlight readable glass displays is a lightweight, modular design equipment rack that makes the system easy to install and maintain.

Specific features of the G1000 on the TBM 850 include:

• Three-axis, all-digital automatic flight control system
• Dual integrated radio modules that provide WAAS certified IFR oceanic-approved GPS; VHF navigation with ILS; and VHF communication with 16-watt transceivers and 8.33-kHz channel spacing
• Graphical synoptics that provide intuitive depictions of selected systems
• Dual solid-state Attitude and Heading Reference System that can align while in motion, including in-flight dynamic restarts
• Dual RVSM-compliant digital air-data computers
• Mode S transponder with Traffic Information Service
• Class-B Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) with worldwide terrain and obstacle database
• Digital audio control system
• Full reversionary capabilities, allowing all flight-critical data to transfer seamlessly to a single display for added safety during flight

The G1000 equipped TBM 850 will also graphically depict airframe, electrical and fuel system synoptics data on the G1000’s Multi-Function Display (MFD). Garmin’s SafeTaxi, FliteCharts and ChartView functions will also be available as options.

FMI: www.garmin.com, www.socata.eads.com