EADS Socata is planning to launch a new aircraft type within the next 18 months and says it is evaluating a number of models to fill a niche in its line-up.
"We don't want to compete with new or existing models," says Socata. "We have three options: a piston aircraft to fit at the bottom of our TB GT range; a piston or turboprop type to fit between the high-end piston [the TB21 GT Trinidad] and our TBM700 single-engined turboprop; or a new type at the top end of our line, "it says. Socata's six-aircraft line-up starts at the $169,000 TB9 GT Tampico and ends with the $2.6 million TBM700C2. "We have made changes to our product line. The latest was to introduce the increased performance C2 - but we feel the time is right to launch an all-new design," it adds.
Socata is considering a jet-powered model, "although a single-engined jet is not a favoured option. This is a tough market to enter without a proven powerplant," it says. The manufacturer hopes to develop a new product with another aircraft manufacturer or one of its aerostructures partners. One possibility is a partnership between Socata and Dassault, for which Socata builds parts for the Falcon 50 and 900 ranges. Socata also has a contract with Dassault to build the upper fuselage and wing fairing for the Falcon 7X.
Source: Flight International
