Order backlog for the World’s fastest single-engined turboprop at record levels.
EAA AirVenture, Oshkosh, WI, 27 July 2006
EADS Socata announced today that it has received 32 order for 2007 US deliveries valued at $91 million. These new orders bring the TBM total backlog to more than 50 aircraft.
Since its introduction in December 2005, the TBM 850 has met with huge interest from the aviation public, clearly indicating we were right that a “faster TBM” would better address the owner-flown market place than building a whole new generation of aircraft” said Stephane Mayer, Chairman and CEO of EADS Socata. “Our order backlog now totals more than 50 aircraft, which is a record for the TBM program and is a real indication of the acceleration of customer interest in the TBM 850. This gives us significant confidence, and will allow us to continue to ramp up production to meet the strong levels of customer demand” he added.
“Our sales network continues to show remarkable growth and confidence that it will surpass this year’s sales numbers.” commented Nicolas Chabbert, EADS Socata’s Vice-President of Sales & Marketing.
Built on the success of the TBM 700, the TBM 850 offers its pilots and operators a maximum cruising speed of 320 KTAS at flight level 260 (in ISA conditions) combining the cruising speed of a light jet with the economic direct operating costs of a single-engined turboprop.
The powerplant of the TBM 850 is Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PT6A-66D, the latest and most powerful addition to the world’s most popular family of turboprop engines, (with over 32,000 engines produced to date). The PT6A-66D delivers 1,825 eshp flat-rated to 850 shp for the TBM 850. Its single-crystal compressor blades enable higher turbine temperatures and coupled with a new first-stage compressor design gives the TBM 850 its enhanced high-altitude performance.
The TBM 850 is available via EADS Socata’s existing direct sales and distribution network, and is supported by its extensive worldwide network of service centers.
EADS Socata is one of the world’s leading general aviation manufacturers, with more than 17,000 aircraft built since its birth as Morane-Saulnier in 1911, which includes the MS 760 ParisJet – the world’s first business jet. EADS Socata manufactures the TBM 850, world’s fastest single civilian turboprop and the TB GT piston touring and training aircraft. It also produces aerostructures for Airbus airliners (including the new A380 and A400M military transport), the Dassault Falcon 7X, Eurocopter helicopters and Embraer regional jets.
The company is headquartered in Tarbes, France, and its North American operations are located Pembroke Pines, Florida. EADS Socata is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS – a global leader in aerospace and defense.
