Socata reveals his plans for a new aircraft project
Socata is stepping into the future with its NTx project
Orlando, Florida, 06 October 2008
EADS Socata today unveiled initial information on the company’s next generation aircraft project, providing details at a news conference with Chairman and CEO Jean-Michel Léonard during the National Business Aviation Association’s 61st Annual Meeting & Convention.
Code-named NTx, the new aircraft will be larger than the company’s highly successful Very Fast Turboprop TBM 850, and aims at completing Socata’s range on the upper end. Using a twin-engine configuration to offer a large scope of potential applications, the NTx will have greater useful load, more payload capability and a bigger cabin than the TBM 850. Powerplant applications for the NTx are still under discussion. Although, the launch date is not yet determined, the manufacturer is working on a schedule and expects to be able to officially launch the program before the end of 2009.
“As business aviation is a small community where it’s difficult to keep a secret for a long time, I am pleased to confirm that our engineering team is actively working on a new aircraft project,” Léonard said. “Its NTx code-name stands for ‘New Twin.’ This aircraft is an exciting project that we hope to launch in 2009 to complement the TBM850 from the top. We believe the general aviation market will welcome our project, which will build on the current success of the TBM 850.”
About EADS Socata
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 mailto: philippe.de-segovia@socata.eads.net |
