Daher-SOCATA TBM 850

Daher-SOCATA · France · first flew 2005 · light aircraft

The TBM 850 is a high-performance single-engine turboprop business aircraft jointly developed by SOCATA (France) and Mooney (USA), capable of cruising at altitudes above 30,000 feet at speeds approaching 320 knots. It is widely regarded as one of the fastest single-engine piston-replacement turboprops available.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × turboprop, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	10.64 m fuselage
T — Tail	T-tail

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Spot it by:

Single turboprop low-wing six-seater
T-tail with swept vertical fin
Retractable tricycle undercarriage

A sleek, low-wing turboprop with a T-tail, retractable undercarriage, and a distinctive elongated nose housing the PT6A engine; the large four-blade propeller and streamlined fuselage distinguish it from piston singles.

Specifications

The Daher-SOCATA TBM 850 has a length of 10.64 m (35 ft).
It has a wingspan of 12.68 m (42 ft).
Its maximum speed is 620 km/h (385 mph).
Typical crew: 1-2, plus up to 5 passengers.

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

History

The TBM 850 entered service in 2006 as an upgrade of the TBM 700, featuring the more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66D engine delivering 850 shp. SOCATA was later acquired by Daher, which continued developing the TBM family.

Variants

The TBM 850 was succeeded by the TBM 900 (2014) and TBM 910/930/940 series; all share the same basic airframe with progressive avionics and performance improvements.

Where you'll see it

The TBM 850 is used worldwide by owner-operators, charter companies, and air taxi services; it has been operated in Europe, North America, and Australia, with a strong presence in the US owner-flown market.

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