On Monday, EADS Socata announced its TBM 700C2 had received FAA certification. Socata spent 10 years refining the original TBM — produced in 1990 — resulting in this new variant. The C2 follows on the successes of the TBM 700B with a large door and optional pilot door in 1999, and the Freighter version developed in 2001. Its most pronounced new feature is its strengthened airframe (spar box and wing attachments) allowing a maximum takeoff weight of 7394 pounds (3,354 kg) instead of 6,578 pounds (2,984 kg). This allows the new version to deliver bigger payload and range performance. A 1,074-nm maximum range with 45-minute fuel reserves has been calculated for the C2 with a 1,347-pound (611 kg) payload at 300 KTAS. Socata claims that a C2 will carry an 805-pound payload with full fuel and fly over a 1,565-nm distance with a 45-minute fuel reserve. Technical teams at EADS Socata worked 18 months to complete the certification program. As of March 1, a total of 230 TBM 700s have been delivered worldwide, of which 134 are registered in the U.S.
Socata’s TBM 700C2 Receives Certification
Key Takeaways:
- The TBM 700C2, a refined version of the original TBM 700, received FAA certification.
- A key improvement is a strengthened airframe, increasing maximum takeoff weight to 7394 pounds, enabling greater payload and range.
- The C2 boasts a calculated maximum range of 1,074 nm with a 1,347-pound payload at 300 KTAS, and a range of 1,565 nm with an 805-pound payload and full fuel.
- EADS Socata's 18-month certification program follows the success of previous TBM 700 variants and a total of 230 aircraft delivered worldwide.
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