The world's newest and fastest certified single-engine turboprop aircraft is taking center stage at this week's AirVenture Oshkosh gathering as DAHER-SOCATA's TBM 900 makes its first-ever appearance at the event.
Keeping the TBM 850's proven airframe, engine and avionics, the new TBM 900 features the addition of winglets, Hartzell's new five-blade composite propeller, a complete nose-to-firewall redesign for improved engine airflow circulation and an upgraded cockpit instrument panel.
The TBM-900, performing a hard right bank at EAA AirVenture.
Stephane Mayer, President and CEO of the DAHER-SOCATA aerospace and defense sector of the DAHER group said:
"We thank the EAA for the honor of showing our new TBM 900 today at Boeing Plaza, where so many notable aircraft and spectacular projects have been presented. This gives us the opportunity to highlight the TBM 900 as the flagship of our aerospace activities, and it comes at a time we want to further develop our presence in North America."
Nicolas Chabbert, the Senior Vice President of DAHER-SOCATA's Airplane Business Unit said:
"The TBM 900's presentation today at AirVenture's prime display location confirms the recognition of this aircraft as the civil aviation market's no. 1 single-engine turboprop based on performance. We want to share our passion for aviation with the AirVenture's crowds in Oshkosh, and especially with our TBM pilots and friends."
The TBM 900's top cruise speed is 330 knots at 28,000 ft., and the maximum range is extended to 1,730 nautical miles as a result of the fuel consumption reduction to 37 U.S. gallons per hour at economy cruise. Its takeoff and climb performance enables the aircraft's 31,000-ft. ceiling to be reached in 18 minutes, 45 seconds.
Since DAHER-SOCATA's official unveiling only four months ago, the TBM 900 has attracted a lot of attention from pilots, owners and operators. As of July 15, a total of 26 TBM 900s have been delivered to customers from the 48 ordered for delivery this year. Purchase intentions have already been registered for 2015.