DAHER-SOCATA has introduced an enhanced development of its TBM 850 turboprop for the 2012 model year with reconfigurable seats to increase cargo space for larger items.
The TBM 850 Elite’s middle seats can be positioned in either a rearward or forward facing positions. With the TBM configured to seat four passengers (instead of the usual six) with the rear pair of seats removed and the middle seats facing forwards, additional cargo space is freed up. Freight and baggage items in the enlarged space can be secured by cargo nets.
“For missions with multiple pieces of baggage, a small cargo net compliments the normal internal baggage compartment by providing additional space. Long, bulky items such as golf bags can be secured by using a large cargo net, which essentially unites the rear baggage compartment and the extended baggage area,” according to DAHER-SOCATA.
Other features of the TBM 850 Elite, which was introduced at the Sun n Fun fly-in and expo in Florida on March 27, include two new avionics options – a long-range KHF 1050 HF radio and Garmin’s GSR 56 Iridium satellite transceiver, carbon fibre trim in the central upper panel, table cover exterior insert and cabinet door cover, and gold and brush metal treatment on interior fittings.
Price for a standard equipped aircraft is US$3.2 million.
