March 31, 2012 - At a News Conference held at SUN ’n FUN annual International Fly–In & Expo, DAHER-SOCATA announced the introduction of its TBM 850 Elite, the 2012 Model Year version of its very fast turboprop aircraft which offers a host of new features aimed at improving comfort and flexibility. 

The TBM 850 Elite’s most distinctive attribute is the capability of its middle seats to be positioned in either the rearward or forward-facing position. This new configuration provides extended cargo space to accommodate outsized baggage. 

“Our TBM 850 Elite offers the flexibility of a sports utility vehicle while delivering the performance of a sports car,” explained Nicolas Chabbert, the Senior Vice-President of DAHER-SOCATA Airplane Division and President of SOCATA North America.” 

In a forward-facing arrangement configured for four passengers, the TBM 850 Elite’s two rear seats are removed to create immediate and obstacle-free access to all luggage areas. 

For missions with multiple pieces of baggage, a small cargo net compliments the normal internal baggage compartment by providing additional space. Long, bulky items such as golf bags can be secured by using a large cargo net, which essentially unites the rear baggage compartment and the extended baggage area. 

Other new features for the Elite incorporated in DAHER-SOCATA’s 2012 Model Year TBM 850 includes new carbon fiber trim (used in the central upper panel, table cover exterior insert and cabinet door cover), along with gold and brush metal treatment on interior fittings. 

Two new avionics options also are offered on the aircraft: a long-range KHF 1050 HF radio and Garmin’s full-featured GSR 56 Iridium satellite transceiver, which give access to quality on-demand weather information, text/voice communications and near real-time positioning information. 

Moreover, DAHER-SOCATA has extended its Exclusive Maintenance Program to cover scheduled maintenance costs for the original retail customer through the aircraft’s fifth annual inspection, or up to 1,000 total flight hours whichever comes first.

Additional benefits available to TBM 850 Elite customers include an avionics system warranty extension to five years for all Garmin equipment, as well as the L3 Avionics Stormscope WX500, and Honeywell’s traffic advisory system, KRA405 radar altimeter and distance measuring equipment. 

Chabbert added “The TBM 850 Elite is the latest evolution for our TBM family, whose success can be explained by its designed-in cost/performance ratio, as well as the commitment and passion of DAHER-SOCATA’s employee teams in providing high-quality aircraft. The global TBM fleet which is composed of the TBM 850 and TBM 700 versions has now accumulated nearly 930,000 flight hours, which is a particularly proud milestone for our company.”