Socata TBM 700

Socata · France · first flew 1988 · light aircraft

The TBM 700 is a pressurised single-engine turboprop that pioneered the fast owner-flown turboprop class, combining airliner-style cruise speeds with light-aircraft economics.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × turboprop, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	Pressurised sleek fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Single PT6 turboprop, pointed spinner
Pressurised sleek fuselage
Very large Fowler flaps

Look for the large four-blade turboprop and pointed spinner on a very sleek, pressurised fuselage. The oversized Fowler flaps spanning most of the trailing edge and retractable tricycle gear complete the picture.

Specifications

The Socata TBM 700 has a length of 10.72 m (35 ft).
It has a wingspan of 12.83 m (42 ft).
Its maximum speed is 611 km/h (380 mph).
Typical crew: 1-2 pilots, up to 6 seats.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Developed by the Franco-American TBM International venture between Socata and Mooney, the prototype flew in 1988 and was certified around 1990. The 'TBM' name blends Tarbes and Mooney, though Mooney withdrew in 1991 leaving Socata as sole builder. The 700 launched a lineage that grew through the TBM 850, 900 and later marks.

Variants

The original 700 was offered in cargo-door, executive and multi-role forms and progressively updated with new avionics and cockpits. Later TBM 850 and 900 models raised power and speed on the same basic airframe. The type is the direct ancestor of today's TBM family.

Where you'll see it

In the UK the TBM 700 and its successors serve as owner-flown personal transports and air-taxi aircraft, valued for single-engine turboprop economy at jet-like speeds. Some operators use them for utility and light-cargo work. Its simple single-engine turbine layout keeps operating costs below twin turboprops.

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