2007 TBM 850 first US public appearance at Sun’n fun Air Show

The new multi-function display equipped TBM 850 will ease pilot’s task

EADS Socata introduces its latest model to the US public at Sun’n fun 2007, in Lakeland, Florida. Built on the success of the TBM 700, the Very Fast Turboprop TBM 850 offers its pilots and operators what they expected: a maximum cruising speed of 320 KTAS at flight level 260 combining the cruising speed and trip times of a light jet with the economic direct operating costs, range and useful load of an already well proven world-class single-engine turboprop. Base price for the TBM 850 is $2,626,910 featuring the last generation Garmin GMX 200 Multi-function display (MFD) as standard equipment.

The GMX 200 provides a focal point for the broad range of information already available to TBM 850 pilots, integrating a moving map, radar, traffic and terrain into a single display. In addition the GMX 200 will offer the options of XM weather in the US and the impressive ChartView on-route and approach charts from Jeppesen. With a high resolution display, 20% larger than the TBM 850’s previous MFD, and a backlighting system offering more contrast under bright sunlight conditions, the GMX 200 is designed to improve pilot’s situational awareness and move one step to the e-cockpit.

“The addition of XM weather and approach charts to the TBM 850 further strengthens the already first class information available to TBM pilots” said Nicolas Chabbert, EADS Socata’s VP of Sales and Marketing. “We expect both options to be highly popular with owners. ChartView is a real step forward to the e-cockpit allowing pilots to track the position of the aircraft on actual representations”.

"’The TBM 850 market penetration is a clear message that our strategy is right. We had delivered 42 aircraft last year and we expect to deliver 50 this year. This will be another record year for the TBM program”, said Stéphane Mayer, Chairman and CEO of EADS Socata. The range, useful load and speed of the TBM 850 plus its ease of insurability and pilot transition will continue to make it a preferred option for many buyers.”

The TBM 850 is available via EADS Socata’s existing direct sales and distribution network, and is supported by its extensive worldwide network of service centers.

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, EADS Socata – Sun’N Fun 2007 - 2 - 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 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 – a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. . In 2006, EADS generated revenues of € 39.4 billion and employs a workforce of about 116,800.

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