Story ID: 
Upgraded TBM 850 Makes Debut
By: AIN Staff
Caption: EADS Socata unveiled an upgraded TBM 850 turboprop single last month during a “discovery show” held at the company’s factory in Tarbes, France.
Word Count: 127
EADS Socata unveiled an upgraded TBM 850 turboprop single last month during a “discovery show” held at the company’s factory in Tarbes, France. The latest version of the six-seat airplane includes an integrated glass flight deck featuring the Garmin G1000, new environmental control system, reconfigured cabin and a forward baggage area. Cockpit and cabin changes have reduced airframe weight, increasing the TBM 850’s useful load by 110 pounds. Meanwhile, fuel capacity was increased by 11 gallons, boosting range from 1,330 nm to 1,410 nm. EADS Socata sales and marketing vice president Nicolas Chabbert said the company sold 63 of the new TBM 850s since the order book was opened in September, swallowing the 60 aircraft allocated for production this year. The 2008 TBM 850 made its U.S. debut late last month in Orlando, Fla.