TBM 850 model year 2008 at ILA Berlin 2008
Berlin, 26 May 2008
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The 2008 TBM 850 is making its first appearance at ILA at the Internationale Luftfahrt-Ausstellung (ILA) - International Aviation Exhibition - Berlin Air Show, which runs from May 27 to June 1.
For the 2008 model year, EADS Socata’s popular TBM850 includes an all-glass flight deck based on the Garmin G1000 integrated flight instrument system. It replaces traditional instruments with large liquid crystal display (LCD) screens, while also integrating primary flight, navigation, weather, traffic, ground proximity and technical information – fully associated with a digital autopilot. This reduces pilot workload and eases maintenance. As a result, the TBM 850 is one of the world’s most advanced light business aircraft available today.
In addition, the TBM 850’s environmental and vapor control system has been replaced by the Global Air Control System from Liebherr Aerospace, which is more efficient and offers a true dual-zone temperature control – a first for an aircraft in the TBM category.
The aircraft’s cabin interior has been entirely redesigned to offer more space, elegance and comfort, with a 2-inch (5-cm.) width increase and a 1-inch (2-cm.) ceiling rise, along with superb leather finishing.
The aircraft displayed at EBACE, registration N851GC, has the new standard – and very streamlined – paint scheme, which highlights the TBM 850’s sleek lines and underscores its high performance.
“The TBM850 is the perfect aircraft for Europe, and it clearly addresses the concerns over increasing costs of operation – especially with high fuel prices and environment protection.” explained Nicolas Chabbert, EADS Socata’s Vice President – Sales and Marketing. “In the same time there are a growing number of leading European companies, especially in Germany and Eastern Europe realizing the benefit of using corporate aircraft, especially in optimizing their time to help efficiently grow their business.”
“As the most important trade show for general aviation in Central and Eastern Europe the ILA2008 provides us a wonderful opportunity to meet customers and demonstrate that the TBM850 is meeting their needs as an eco-efficient and flexible way of transportation.” Concluded Nicolas Chabbert
After a symbolic stop at Tempelhof, Berlin’s historical airport, where a gathering of Socata TB owners was held during the week-end for the 60th anniversary celebration of the start of the Berlin Airlift, the model 2008 TBM 850 is exhibited at the show throughout the week. ILA Berlin is one of the main stopovers of the European TBM 850 demonstration tour which is supported by record sales – with the 2008 production of 60 aircraft already sold out. Sales remain strong for 2009, with orders now being taken for the remaining production line slots in the latter part of the year.
The TBM 850 is world’s fastest single turboprop aircraft, with a maximum cruising speed of 320 KTAS at Flight Level 260 (in ISA conditions). It combines cruising speed and trip times of a light jet with the economic direct operating costs, range and moderate environmental signature of a turboprop engine. The maximum range and useful load – which are enhanced on the new model – and the ability to land at small airports, are some of its customers’ favorite features.
About EADS Sonata
EADS Socata is one of the world’s leading general aviation manufacturers, with more than 17,000 aircraft built since its creation as Morane-Saulnier in 1911. Current products include the TBM family of high-speed turboprops, TB GT piston aircraft, aerostructures for Airbus civil airliners, the A400M military transporter, Dassault Falcon jets, Eurocopter helicopters and Embraer regional jets. EADS Socata is expanding its customer service activities, to support its growing fleet of TBM and offer its light aviation expertise for aircraft below 5.7 metric tons through avionics modernization, maintenance, repair and overall package offers. Headquartered in Tarbes, France, with North American operations in Pembroke Pines, Florida, EADS Socata is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS group.
About EADS
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of € 39.1 billion and employed a workforce of about 116,000. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programs from Ariane to Galileo. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, develops the A400M through its Military Transport Aircraft Division, and holds a stake in the joint venture MBDA, the international leader in missile systems.
Media contact:
| Philippe de Segovia |
Tel.: +33 670 21 70 47 www.socata.eads.net |
