EADS Socata’s TBM 850 high performance piston aircraft is on static display at the show for the first time. The company is billing the aircraft as a “very fast turboprop” to put it in direct competition with the new breed of very light jets (VLJ) hitting the market. The TBM850 has a maximum cruising speed of 320kt at flight level 260, which is similar to the performanceof a VLJ. It competes strongly on direct operating costs, but is more expensive than a VLJ, costing $2.63 million as opposed to a typical $1m-$1.5m for a VLJ.
Jean-Michel Léonard, CEO of EADS says: “I will look forward to leading the ATR’s ‘little brother’ on the path of continued success with 100 orders.” The 850 has produced record sales for Socata, which delivered 42 of the type last year.
Source: Flight Daily News
