Socata TB 21 Trinidad GT Turbo
Socata · France · first flew 1984 · light aircraft
The TB 21 Trinidad GT Turbo is the turbocharged, high-altitude version of the TB 20, sharing its airframe but adding a turbo TIO-540 for fast cruise in the flight levels.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.75 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Retractable tricycle gear
- Turbocharged TIO-540
- High-altitude oxygen cruiser
Externally almost indistinguishable from the TB 20, it is marked out by turbo induction plumbing and, in service, oxygen-equipped operation at altitude. The retractable gear and pronounced cabin round-out remain the TB signatures.
Specifications
- The Socata TB 21 Trinidad GT Turbo has a length of 7.75 m (25 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.76 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 370 km/h (230 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot, up to 4 seats.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Socata flew the turbocharged Trinidad TC prototype in 1984 to extend the type's ceiling and cruise speed. The GT generation from 2000 brought the same aerodynamic and cabin refinements as the rest of the range. It remained the top of the piston TB line until production ceased in the mid-2000s.
Variants
The TB 21 is airframe-identical to the naturally aspirated TB 20, differing in its turbocharged engine and oxygen provision. Earlier examples wore the Trinidad TC name before the GT branding. It was the highest-performing single Socata offered.
Where you'll see it
Turbocharged Trinidads appear on the UK register in the hands of owners who want efficient high-level cruise and weather-topping capability. They serve as long-range personal tourers across Britain and the Continent. There was no military use of the type.
Related aircraft
- Socata TB 20 Trinidad GT
- Socata TBM 700
- Socata TB 10 Tobago GT
- Socata TB 200 Tobago GT
- Advanced Aeromarine Buccaneer
- Aeromot AMT-200 Ximango
- Cessna Citation S/II
- Dickey E-Racer
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