Socata TBM-700

France

Single engine corporate turboprop

The TBM-700 is a high performance single engine turboprop powered light business and corporate transport. The TBM-700 is mainly optimised as a business transport in competition with established twin turboprops, mainly Beech's C90 King Air series. Unlike the similarly sized C90 King Airs though, the TBM-700's single engine layout is a major conceptual difference. With its single PT6 turboprop, rather than two on the King Air, the TBM-700 offers significantly lower operating costs yet comparable performance. The TBM-700 was originally developed in partnership between Socata (Aerospatiale's General Aviation division) in France and Mooney in the USA, hence the TBM designation. The two companies formed TBM SA to build and market the TBM-700, with development responsibility for the project divided on a 70/30 basis between Socata and Mooney respectively. The first of three TBM-700 prototypes first flew on July 14 1988. French certification was granted in January 1990. Shortly after the delivery of the first production aircraft in December 1990, Mooney withdrew from the program, leaving Socata with full responsibility for the aircraft. The pressurised TBM-700 is of conventional design and construction, with a small amount of composite materials used in some areas. Flight controls, flaps and most of the empennage and fin are made from Nomex honeycomb and metal sheets. Leading edges and undercarriage doors meanwhile are made from a carbon and fibreglass composite. Entry to the cabin is through a split upward/downward opening door in the rear port fuselage. Apart from the base aircraft the TBM-700 is offered as the TBM-700C freighter with a freight door and separate port side cockpit door. Development of the stretched TBM-700S ceased in 1995.

One 520kW (700shp) flat rated Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-64 turboprop driving a four blade constant speed Hartzell propeller.

Max cruising speed 555km/h (300kt), economical cruising speed 450km/h (243kt). Initial rate of climb 2380ft/min. Max certificated altitude 30,000ft. Range with max payload and reserves at max cruising speed 1666km (900nm), at economical cruising speed 1853km (1000nm). Range with max fuel at max cruising speed 2500km (1350nm), at economical cruising speed 2870km (1550nm).

Empty equipped 1860kg (4101lb), max takeoff 2984kg (6578lb).

Wing span 12.68m (41ft 7in), length 10.64m (34ft 11in), height 4.35m (14ft 3in). Wing area 18.0m2 (193.8sq ft).

Pilot and one passenger (or copilot) on flightdeck. Main cabin seating for up to five, or typical accommodation for four in a club arrangement. The TBM-700 is also offered as a freighter.

More than 125 in service worldwide. Total of 25 ordered for the French air force and army.

Socata TBM-700