This year has been the most successful ever for the TBM 700 in terms of sales, with 35 new orders logged as EADS Socata moves to position the aircraft for new roles and new markets. This year saw TBM 700 sales into three new operator countries—Brazil, the Czech Republic and South Africa—and Socata says it is in ongoing discussions with the authorities of several other nations to gain TBM 700 certification and pave the way for yet more deliveries.
On show for the first time at NBAA is a TBM 700C configured with the AeroSled PLUS (patient loading utility system) medical evacuation fit. This has been installed by Woodland, Wa.-based Lifeport Inc., which also operates this aircraft in the MedEvac role. AeroSled PLUS is a self-contained module with life-support systems that can be installed into a TBM 700 cabin using the existing tracks and hard points. According to Socata it takes only as long to outfit an aircraft in this configuration as it does to refuel one. The AeroSled is an aviation-designed stretcher, purpose-built for the restricted space on board.
Stephane Bernard, president of Socata Aircraft Inc. in the U.S., pointed to the MedEvac market as just one of the new areas where the TBM family hopes to do business. Bernard said that the cost-effectiveness and versatility of the TBM 700 makes it very well suited to special missions roles, and he made particular mention of how Socata hopes to pursue such opportunities with the U.S. government. Bernard was clear in his acknowledgement that any major U.S. orders would have to be served from a U.S. production line—but he cited the success of American Eurocopter in doing just that to win major orders here. Both Socata and Eurocopter have the same parent company in the shape of EADS.
The other issue weighing heavily on Socata's mind is the new breed of microjets that is edging toward reality. Bernard says Socata has had some thoughts in this direction itself, and the company is believed to have drawn up preliminary designs for a small jet aircraft (perhaps a "Paris III," some have suggested). However, there are no plans for such a venture right now and all of Socata's efforts are directed toward improving the TBM 700 design and maintaining its edge. Bernard will not disclose what upgrades and enhancements are coming, but he is firm in his belief that the TBM 700 still has surprises left for the market. As for the much-talked-about new glass cockpit, Bernard is tight-lipped but says there will be more to talk about come next NBAA.
