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Daher announced that it has celebrated the 500th delivery of a TBM 900-series aircraft. The 500th delivery highlights the continued global market demand for the 900-series as the best-selling family in the efficient and fast TBM turboprop-powered product line. The company announced the milestone during its press conference at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas. The 500th aircraft was a high-end TBM 960 version that was delivered to a private owner in the U.S.
"The latest TBM program achievement underscores the success of Daher's constant enhancement policy in maintaining the competitiveness of our aircraft portfolio, with an emphasis on listening to the customer and a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability," said Nicolas Chabbert, senior vice president of Daher's aircraft division.2023 TBM 960
There are over 100 TBM 960s on order, a number that exceeds two years of production. Daher has seen an interest in the aircraft from both professional operators and private owners, especially since the addition of enhanced safety features, improved efficiency and cabin comfort Chabbert said.
The 500 deliveries for the TBM 900-series have surpassed the totals of both previous generation TBM aircraft. There were 324 produced in the TBM 700 series configuration and 338 for the TBM 850s. The TBM 850 was the initial version that came out from under Daher's management of the TBM product line. The 900-series was introduced in 2014 with the TBM 900 configuration. The TBM 900 featured aerodynamic improvements like new engine cowlings, winglets and the integration of Hartzell's five-blade scimitar propeller.
The 900-series was enhanced with the higher-end TBM 930 model in 2016. The new version was equipped with Garmin's touchscreen-controlled G3000 integrated flight deck. The TBM 930 incorporated initial elements of the TBM e-copilot functionality, lowering pilot workload and providing enhanced situational awareness. In 2018, Daher enhanced the 900-series yet again with the TBM 910. The TBM 910 was equipped with Garmin's G1000 NXi avionics and the model is still available from Daher on customer request.RELATED STORIES:
Take a look at the Daher TBM 960 at EAA AirVentureDaher TBM 960 deliveries begin in United StatesIn 2019 Daher introduced the TBM 940, succeeding the TBM 930 with the addition of autothrottle. In 2020 it became the first aircraft to be equipped with the HomeSafe emergency Autoland system. The latest model, the high-end TBM 960, was unveiled in 2022. The TBM 960 integrates the new PT6E-66XT turboprop engine, purpose-built by Pratt andamp; Whitney Canada for the aircraft. The aircraft also features Hartzell Propeller's five-blade composite propeller with the Raptor lightweight hub. Both the new engine and propeller system are linked to the TBM 960's dual-channel digital Engine and Propeller Electronic Control System.
EPECS improves powerplant performance from startup to landing while reducing pilot workload. The program integrates all functions and protects the engine's life. EPECS allows the plane to be flown using more precise settings, like Daher's recommended cruise setting of 308 kts, and the fuel consumption is only 57 U.S. gallons per hour. Daher uses digital power in the TBM 960, extending the aircraft's Prestige cabin which features an all-new environmental control system. Other enhancements include LED strip lighting on both sides of the overhead ceiling panel and electronically dimmable windows, with all features controlled by the Passenger Comfort Display. The TBM 960 has a full range of e-copilot features like an icing protection system. Flight envelope monitoring through Electronic Stability and Protection, Emergency DescentMode and the HomeSafe emergency autoland system.
Daher has also announced the inauguration of a new paint facility at the Kodiak Aircraft Company production site in Sandpoint, Idaho. This is the latest investment since Daher acquired Kodiak's utility airplane product line in 2019. The 9,000-square-foot facility will streamline the overall production process and improve the build quality on multi-role single-engine turboprop aircraft like the Kodiak 100 and Kodiak 900 versions. Daher invested $2.7 million in the operation which consists of separate preparation and paint booths. The project began with the possibility of additional expansions to meet future Kodiak production rates. A team of full-time painters has been formed to work at the new facility.
"This underscores our commitment to the Kodiak's future as we evolve the aircraft family," Chabbert said. "It follows the launch of two new Kodiak versions since Daher purchased the product line four years ago: the enhanced Kodiak 100 Series III, which we introduced during 2021; and the larger Kodiak 900, unveiled in July 2022."
The painters at the facility will work on major components, like the fuselage and wings, individually. The workers use an electrostatic painting technique to ensure an environmentally friendly process and an improved surface finish for the aircraft components. Until now, Kodiak aircraft were flown outside of Idaho to be painted, extending the production time and requiring control surfaces to be removed upon arrival and reinstalled once the work was complete. On-site painting reduces the Kodiak production cycle by one week.
Attendees at 2023 NBAA-BACE can see a 2023 TBM 960 on the Daher exhibit stand in the Las Vegas Convention Center at booth #IAD04 in Central Hall. The plane features a Garmin G3000 integrated flight deck enhanced with updated software and a control yoke activation button for the Garmin Electronic Checklists. The altimeter setting button has also been repositioned as part of the TBM ergonomic improvements.
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