SOCATA TBM facts for kids
Quick facts for kids TBM |
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| TBM 900 | |
| Role | Executive transport and civil utility |
| National origin | France |
| Manufacturer | SOCATA Daher |
| First flight | 14 July 1988 |
| Introduction | 1990 |
| Status | In production |
| Primary users | French Army French Air and Space Force |
| Produced | 1988–present |
| Number built | 1000 (as of October 2020[update]) |
The Daher TBM is a special kind of airplane. It's a high-performance, single-engine plane. It uses a turboprop engine, which is like a jet engine that spins a propeller. These planes are built by a company called Daher in France. They are used for business travel and other jobs.
The TBM family of planes started with an idea from the Mooney Airplane Company in the early 1980s. They wanted to make a smaller plane called the Mooney 301. Later, Mooney and a French company called SOCATA worked together. They wanted to build a new, bigger turboprop plane. This new plane was called the TBM 700. They wanted it to be very fast, fly high, and be super reliable. When it came out in 1990, it was the first plane of its kind. It was a single-engine plane that could carry passengers or cargo very quickly.
The TBM 700 quickly became popular. This led to many new versions and improved models. These often had stronger engines and new flight systems. For example, the TBM 850 is an improved version. It has a powerful Pratt & Whitney PT6A-66D engine. In 2014, an even better version, the TBM 900, was released. It had a better design for flying.
Contents
How the TBM Airplane Was Made
Starting the Idea
In the early 1980s, the Mooney Airplane Company in Texas designed a small plane. It could seat six people and had a piston engine. This plane was called the Mooney 301. Its first flight was on April 7, 1983. In 1985, new French owners bought Mooney. They were very interested in making the 301 even better.
At the same time, a French plane maker called SOCATA saw a need. They thought there was a market for a single-engine plane. This plane would be perfect for fast personal travel and carrying light cargo. They saw the Mooney 301 as a good starting point.
So, Mooney and SOCATA began talking. They decided to make a new version of the 301. This new plane would use a turboprop engine. The new design was called the TBM 700. It was much heavier than the original 301. It also had more than twice the power. The name "TBM" comes from "TB" for Tarbes, where SOCATA is, and "M" for Mooney. The TBM 700 was the first high-performance single-engine plane of its kind. It was designed to be very reliable and super fast.
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In June 1987, the two companies formed a partnership. It was called TBM International. Their goal was to finish building the TBM 700. They also planned to make the new aircraft. Mooney and SOCATA's parent company, Aérospatiale, shared ownership. They planned to build the TBM 700 in two places. One factory was in Texas for the American market. The other was in France for the rest of the world. But Mooney had money problems in the late 1980s and early 1990s. So, in May 1991, Mooney left the partnership. SOCATA became the main company making the TBM.
The first TBM 700 prototype flew for the first time on July 14, 1988. Tests showed that the plane met almost all its design goals. This helped it move quickly into production. On January 31, 1990, it received its first certification in France. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved it on August 28, 1990. The first TBM 700 planes were delivered in early 1990. The first 50 planes sold out very fast. Pilots and owners loved the new plane. They often praised its speed and power.
Newer TBM Models
The TBM 700 became very popular. But at first, getting spare parts and support for the plane was hard. SOCATA realized this was a problem. They decided to invest a lot of money to make support better worldwide. They opened their own service center in Florida. They also created a network of dealers. These dealers could sell and service the TBM 700. Because of this, sales in North America grew a lot in the late 1990s.
The TBM 700 came in different versions. The TBM 700C2 could carry more weight. This meant pilots could fill the fuel tanks and the cabin at the same time. Before, they had to choose one or the other. This model also had a stronger wing and landing gear. The inside of the plane was also redesigned. It had new features and a better air conditioning system. This made passengers more comfortable.
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The TBM 850 is an improved version of the TBM 700N. It has a powerful Pratt & Whitney PT6A-66D engine. This engine can produce 850 horsepower during cruise flight. This extra power makes the TBM 850 fly faster than the TBM 700 models. Especially when flying at high altitudes. The TBM 850 looks very similar to the TBM 700. Starting in 2008, the TBM 850 came with the Garmin G1000 flight system.
In 2014, the TBM 900 was released. It had 26 changes to its design. These included new winglets (small parts on the wingtips). It also had a new air intake and a five-blade Hartzell propeller. These changes made the plane fly better and faster. The TBM 900 is about 14 knots (26 km/h) faster than the TBM 850. It also uses less fuel and needs a shorter runway to take off. It's also much quieter inside and outside. This is because all 850 horsepower of the engine is available for takeoff. This helps the TBM 900 compete with small jet planes.
In March 2019, Daher introduced the TBM 940. This model has an autothrottle (which controls engine power automatically). It also has automatic deicing (which removes ice from the plane).
EcoPulse: A Look into the Future
In 2019, Daher, Airbus, and Safran started a project. They wanted to build a special TBM plane called the EcoPulse demonstrator. This plane is a test model for a hybrid electric aircraft. This means it uses both a regular engine and electric motors.
The project is supported by French aviation groups. Safran is making the electric parts. Airbus is adding the batteries and making the plane more aerodynamic. Daher is putting everything together and will do the flight tests. The first flight was planned for late 2022. The goal is to make planes more eco-friendly.
The EcoPulse plane has its normal engine. But it also has six electric motors on its wings. These motors get power from a special generator or batteries. This design helps the plane fly better at low speeds. It also allows for smaller, more efficient wings. This project is exploring new ways to make aviation cleaner and more efficient.
How the TBM is Designed
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The SOCATA TBM is a single-engine plane with wings low on its body. It can carry up to seven people. It's mostly made of strong materials like aluminum and steel. The tail is made of a special lightweight material. The wings have very effective flaps. These flaps help the plane fly slower without stalling. The TBM 700 has landing gear that folds away. Newer models have stronger landing gear and tires. The TBM 900 has a special system that limits engine power automatically. This makes it easier to manage power, especially during takeoff.
The Cockpit and Controls
The TBM's cockpit is designed to be easy to use. For pilots, there's an automatic fuel selector. It switches between fuel tanks to keep the plane balanced. You can also switch tanks manually. The ice protection system is mostly automatic. The windshield heats up, and the air intake stays warm from the engine. De-ice boots on the wings cycle automatically. The flaps have a system to prevent them from moving unevenly. A computer helps the pilot by calculating things like speed and wind.
The TBM cockpit can seat two pilots. It comes with many advanced systems. These include an electronic flight instrument system (EFIS). This system shows flight information on screens. It also has a traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) to avoid other planes. A terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS) helps avoid hitting the ground. There's also weather radar and lightning detection. Pilots can enter the cockpit from the main cabin. Or they can use a small pilot's door on the left side. This is helpful when the plane is carrying cargo. From the TBM 700B model onwards, a larger cabin door was added.
The TBM 900 model has even more improvements in the cockpit. A single power lever now controls the engine, propeller, and other settings. Some switches that used to be on the ceiling panel have been removed. The electrical system is powered by one main generator. The Garmin G1000 "glass cockpit" screens have been updated. They show more information and are easier to use.
Passenger Comfort
The TBM's cabin is pressurized. This means the air inside is kept at a comfortable pressure, even when flying high. The interiors are often very luxurious. They use high-quality leather and wood veneers. The seats are designed to be very safe in case of an impact. From the TBM 850 onwards, a combined air conditioner and environmental control system was added. This system is simpler and keeps passengers more comfortable.
The TBM 900 cabin is much quieter than older models. This is thanks to a new five-bladed propeller. Also, the engine is better isolated from the plane's body. This reduces vibrations. Newer models have winglets. These small parts on the wingtips help reduce drag. They also make the plane look better.
Different TBM Models
- TBM 700A: This was the first version made. It had one Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-64 turboprop engine.
- TBM 700B: This version had a wider entrance door and other improvements.
- TBM 700C1: An improved version with a cargo area behind the cabin. It also had a stronger structure and new air conditioning.
- TBM 700C2: This was a C1 model that could take off with more weight.
- TBM 850: A faster version with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66D engine. This engine can produce 850 horsepower during flight.
- TBM 850 G1000: A TBM 850 with the G1000 flight system and a larger fuel tank.
- TBM 850 Elite: An updated TBM 850. It had four cabin seats facing forward. This allowed for more cargo space behind the seats.
- TBM 900: An improved TBM 850 with better aerodynamics. It had winglets and a new air intake. It could fly up to 330 knots (611 km/h). It also had a five-blade carbon fiber propeller.
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- TBM 910: Introduced in 2017, this version had the upgraded Garmin G1000 NXi flight system.
- TBM 930: Introduced in 2016, with an updated interior and the Garmin G3000 touchscreen flight system.
- TBM 940: Introduced in 2019, this model added autothrottle and automatic deicing.
- TBM 960: Introduced in 2022, this version has a new PT6E-66XT engine. It also has a special digital engine control system. It includes an autoland function, which can land the plane by itself in an emergency.
How Many TBMs Are Built?
By July 2023, over 1,155 TBM planes had been built.
- TBM 700: 324 built between 1990 and 2005.
- TBM 850: 338 built between 2006 and 2013.
- TBM 900/910/930/960: 488 built by July 2023.
Who Uses TBM Airplanes?
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TBM planes are used by private individuals and companies. They are also used by charter companies that rent out planes.
Military Users
France French Air and Space Force: They use 15 TBM 700 planes.- France French Army Light Aviation: They use 8 TBM 700 planes.
Safety of TBM Airplanes
Like all aircraft, TBM planes have been involved in accidents and incidents. However, the TBM is designed with a strong focus on reliability and safety. The company continues to improve its support and services for the aircraft.
TBM 900 Specifications
- Crew: 1 or 2 pilots
- Capacity: 4-6 people (including pilots)
- Length: 10.72 meters (about 35 feet)
- Wingspan: 12.833 meters (about 42 feet)
- Height: 4.355 meters (about 14 feet)
- Empty weight: 2,097 kg (about 4,623 pounds)
- Max takeoff weight: 3,354 kg (about 7,394 pounds)
- Engine: 1 Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66D turboprop engine
- Engine Power: 850 horsepower
- Propeller: 5-blade Hartzell
- Max speed: 611 km/h (330 knots) at high altitude
- Cruise speed: 467 km/h (252 knots) for long flights
- Range: 3,304 km (1,730 nautical miles) with full fuel
- Ceiling: 9,449 meters (31,000 feet)
- Time to altitude: Can reach 9,449 meters in 18 minutes and 45 seconds
- Take-off run: 726 meters (about 2,382 feet)
- Landing run: 741 meters (about 2,431 feet)
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See also
In Spanish: SOCATA TBM para niños
- Aircraft related to this one
- Mooney 301
- Similar aircraft
- Aero Ae 270 Ibis
- Epic LT
- Kestrel K-350
- Pilatus PC-12
- Piper Meridian
