24 April 2023
Despite costing the best part of $5m, the top-of-the-range TBM 960 is setting new sales records for French manufacturer Daher.
A fully-equipped 2023 TBM 960 is on show at the Daher stand at AERO, configured in a new ‘Sirocco’ paint scheme for a private European owner.
“The TBM 960 has surpassed all previous sales records, confirming the capabilities of digital power for this latest high-end member of our TBM 900-series aircraft family,” said Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of Daher’s Aircraft Division.
“Owners and operators give high marks for its superior piloting experience, high level of safety and increased cabin comfort, as well as the enhanced efficiency and sustainability.”
Daher has delivered a total of nearly 60 TBM 960s to date. Most have gone to North American customers, but there have also been European deliveries in France, Germany, Switzerland and the UK.
The Garmin G3000 flight deck of the 2023 TBM 960 has updated software which includes a control yoke activation button for the Garmin Electronic Checklists.
The TBM 960 is powered by the latest PT6E-66XT turboprop engine with a Hartzell five-blade composite propeller and a Raptor lightweight hub. Both the engine and propeller system are linked to the TBM 960’s dual-channel digital Engine and Propeller Electronic Control System (EPECS).
With EPECS, the PT6E-66XT engine’s start-up is fully automated after a single-switch activation. The cockpit’s power lever becomes an e-throttle, using a single forward position from take-off to landing. EPECS continues to optimise powerplant performance throughout the flight while reducing pilot workload by integrating all functions and protecting the engine’s life.
According to Daher, the TBM 960’s digital control enables the pilot to fly with more precise settings. At Daher’s recommended cruise setting of 308kt, the fuel consumption is 57 USG (217 litres) per hour.
Latest version of the TBM app encourage owners to log multiple landings and improve their flying
Also updated for 2023 is the ‘Me & My TBM’ smartphone app which now enables pilots to log flights that involve multiple landings – a powerful tool for instructors during flight training debriefings. The application also can generate compliance reports based on the TBM’s stabilised approach criteria (SAC). Another new feature is the ability to identify the specific types of flights: private or business trips, training, maintenance, or ferry missions.
Linked to this data is Daher’s ‘My TBM Challenge’ competition that enables pilots to compare their flight performance with others in the TBM community.
To date, Daher has delivered a total of 1,139 TBMs in the aircraft’s 12 different versions. Approximately 20 percent have been acquired by European customers.
