TBM 700 SN 300 Rolls-Out
A significant milestone for world’s first single-turboprop aircraft and still the fastest in its category
Tarbes, 30 June 2004
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EADS Socata held a Roll-Out ceremony at its factory today for the TBM 700 serial number 300; a significant milestone for the first civilian single pressurized turboprop aircraft to be produced in large numbers. In a few days this special TBM 700 will be heading to the United States, where it will be displayed at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin from July 27th to August 2nd. EAA Airventure is one of world's greatest general aviation events, with an average attendance of 750,000 visitors.
Launched in 1987 in partnership with Texas-based Mooney Aircraft Company (The M of TBM) ; the high-speed turboprop TBM 700 was aimed at being the replacement of costly twin-piston aircraft which were then the backbone of entry-level business aviation. To ensure success, Socata was backed by the Aerospatiale design office in Toulouse, France, which provided aerodynamics developped for the ATR 72 commuter aircraft and used technologies that were brand new in general aviation, such as computer-assisted design. This resulted in an aircraft capable of carrying six persons at 300 KTAS for 1,315 Nm (2 435 km) ; making it the fastest civilian pressurized single propeller aircraft in production. At the same time the TBM 700 offered its customers a range of 1,550 Nm at best economy speed.
The TBM 700, with serial number 300, is a TBM 700C2, the latest version available and equipped with optional pilot door. This version was introduced last year and is a direct result of EADS Socata’s philosophy of continued product development to meet customer needs.
Amongst other enhancements, the TBM 700C2 has reinforced central spar and wing attachments to permit a significant increase in the aircraft’s useful load.
The second version of the TBM 700 is the C1, aimed at the European market with 6,613 lbs. (3 tons) maximum takeoff weight. The C2, certified by US, Australian and Canadian aviation authorities, has a maximum takeoff weight of 7,428 lbs. (3.5 tons).
2004 Additions to the TBM 700
Mode S Transponder:
EADS Socata is one of the first aircraft manufacturers to offer as standard equipment, a mode S transponder meeting Eurocontrol requirements. Mode S transponders with antenna diversity will become mandatory in European airspace for all aircraft with a cruising speed above 250 knots after March 31st, 2005 and will allow better identification of aircraft by air traffic control as well as enable future flight data exchange with ATC ground stations.
RVSM in 2004:
EADS Socata has completed a flight test program of a Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) compliant equipment solution for the TBM 700. Based on the new Honeywell AM 250 digital altimeter with data acquisition, this option will enable the TBM to fly above 29,000 ft in all RVSM airspace after the 1st quarter of 2004. RVSM equipment, already mandatory in Europe, will be required in North America after January 20th, 2005.
About EADS Socata
EADS Socata, now headquartered at Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrenees International Airport, the site of the EADS Socata manufacturing facility, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS, and is the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world.
Important TBM 700 Dates
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June 1987: launch of TBM 700 program
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July 14th, 1988: maiden flight of TBM 700 sn 01, first prototype
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October, 13th 1989 : first flight of TBM 700 sn 03, conforming prototype
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August 28th, 1990: FAA certification.
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October 3rd, 1990: TBM 700 sn 1 is delivered to its customer.
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May 18th, 1992: First TBM 700 delivered to the French Air Force
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June 13-17th, 1993 : TBM 700 sn 63 round the world in less than 80 hours and 11 stops flown by Jacques Lemaigre du Breuil, Nicolas Gorodiche and Olivier Waisblat
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June 27th 1994 : World speed record (C1d class) New York – Paris in 10 h 54 minutes and 51 secondes by J. Lemaigre du Breuil.
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1994 : Odyssey Aviation, Toronto (Canada) gets Public transport operations approval
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1997 : Launch of the TBM 700B version, large door and optional pilot door version.
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2001 : Launch of the freighter version. Six TBM 700 Freighter are purchased by Quest Diagnostics .
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March 7th, 2003 : TBM 700C2, with increased maximum take-off weight is certified by the FAA
EADS Socata & Aerostructures Business
TBM 700 program enabled EADS Socata to develop an expertise in key new technologies such as Computer-aided design, composite materials, hybrid metal/composites, metal bonding and large metal panel drawing.
Thanks to this expertise, EADS Socata meets the requirements of next-generation aircraft designs and was selected by major aerospace programs as an industrial risk-sharing partner, for global subcontracting, starting with design works and manufacturing processes, and ending with customer support.
The main Aerostructures programs at Socata are :
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Airbus A380 for which EADS Socata designs and assembles the nose lower structure and front gear bay doors. First set were delivered to Airbus on 28 November 2003 ; EADS Socata is a global subcontractor for all Airbus models currently in production;
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Airbus A400M, military cargo aircraft, design and manufacture of the sponsons and main gear fairings craft. It is a 45-ft (14 m) metal structure item with composite upper panels;
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Dassault Falcon 7X, wide-body long-range business trijet whose first mid-fuselage section (T34) was delivered to Dassault Aviation on May 11th, 2003, right on schedule. EADS Socata manufactures also the body fairings of the F7X. The mid-fuselage section covers the 39-ft (12 m) long cabin, which will be the largest of the Falcon Jet family.
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EADS Socata is also a global subcontractor for the Embraer Regional Jet 170/190 whose 50th lower fuselage section was delivered in 2003. During 2004, the production rate will increase from 1.5 to 6 items a month.
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Eurocopter helicopter ; the 100th EC 130 airframe was delivered to Eurocopter on May 25th.
EADS Socata in figures
| Turnover 2004: | 163 million euros (195.6 million USD) |
| Employees in 2004: | 1080 |
| Production plant real estate: | 128 acres (53 ha) |
| Factory floor space: | 830,000 sq. ft (77,677 m2) |
| Deliveries 2003: | 40 TB GT & 34 TBM 700 |
| Deliveries 1st half 2004: | 13 TB GT + 15 TBM 700 |
Contacts
| Michel Adam de Villiers (USA) | USA |
Tel.: (954) 993-8477 |
| Philippe de Segovia | France |
Tel.: +33 6 70 21 70 47 |
| www.socata.eads.net |
