Socata TB 9 Tampico
Socata · France · first flew 1977 · light aircraft
The TB 9 Tampico is the entry-level four-seat tourer and trainer of Socata's TB 'Caribbean' family, a low-wing single powered by a modest 160 hp Lycoming.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Over-fuselage greenhouse glazing |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Fixed spatted tricycle gear
- Over-fuselage greenhouse glazing
- Fixed-pitch prop (base of TB family)
Look for the fixed, spatted tricycle undercarriage and the tall glasshouse canopy running back over the cabin. The tapered low wing and swept fin mark it as a TB, while the fixed-pitch prop distinguishes it from its costlier siblings.
Specifications
- The Socata TB 9 Tampico has a length of 7.63 m (25 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.76 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 306 km/h (190 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 first TB prototype in 1977, building a family of aircraft on a common airframe to compete with American light singles. The Tampico shared its structure with the TB 10 but used a simpler fixed-pitch propeller and lower-output engine to keep costs down. A GT update arrived around 2000 with revised aerodynamics before Tarbes production wound up in 2004.
Variants
The Tampico was offered in Club and Sprint trim, the latter aimed at cost-conscious flying schools. It sits below the 180 hp TB 10 Tobago and 200 hp TB 200 in the range. All share fuselage, wing and tail tooling, differing mainly in powerplant and equipment.
Where you'll see it
Widely seen on the UK G-register as a club and touring machine, the Tampico earned a following at flying schools for its roomy cabin and forgiving manners. It carried no military role. Many remain airworthy in private hands across Britain and Europe.
Related aircraft
- Socata TB 10 Tobago GT
- Socata TB 20 Trinidad GT
- Socata TB 21 Trinidad GT Turbo
- Socata TBM 700
- Alexander Schleicher ASW 20
- AmeriPlanes Mitchell Wing A-10
- Cessna 152
- Cessna Citation I SP
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