The first production EADS Socata TBM850 high-speed turboprop has been prepared in France ahead of planned delivery to its US launch customer later this month. The aircraft made its first flight on 23 January, the same day the type received its US Federal Aviation Administration certification (Flight International 31 January - 6 February). The TBM850 is based on the 15-year-old TBM700, but has a more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66D engine offering a maximum cruising speed of 320kt (590km/h) at 26,000ft (7,900m).
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Source: Flight International
