Daher celebrated the delivery of its 500th TMB 900 during the NBAA Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The milestone aircraft for the French manufacturer is a TMB 960 delivered to a private U.S. customer.
The TMB 900 model has far surpassed previous versions in deliveries. The TMB 700 version has reached 324 aircraft delivered, while the TMB 850 model reached 338 aircraft. The TMB 850 was the first product launched under Daher’s leadership for the TMB family.
Nicolas Chabbert, senior vice president of Daher’s aeronautics division, said, «The latest achievement of the TBM program underscores the success of Daher’s policy of constant improvement to maintain the competitiveness of our aircraft portfolio, with an emphasis on listening to the customer and a commitment to improving operational efficiency and sustainability.»
«With more than 100 TBM 960s ordered – more than two years into production – Daher sees sustained interest in the aircraft from professional operators and private owners, especially with the introduction of enhanced safety features, along with improved efficiency and enhanced cabin comfort,» he added.
Evolution of the TMB 900
The TMB 900 was introduced in 2014 by Daher, incorporating aerodynamic improvements such as new engine cowlings, the addition of fins, and the integration of the Hartzell five-blade scimitar propeller.
In 2016, the TBM 900 series family was expanded with the higher-end TBM 930 version, equipped with Garmin’s integrated touchscreen-controlled G3000 flight deck. This variant incorporated the initial elements of the TBM’s e-copilot functionality, which reduces pilot workload and provides better situational awareness.
Daher took a further step in modernizing the TBM 900 series in 2018 with its TBM 910, which incorporates Garmin’s G1000 NXi avionics. In 2019, the TBM 930 was succeeded by Daher’s TBM 940 with automatic throttle. In 2020, it became one of the first aircraft equipped with the revolutionary HomeSafe automatic emergency landing system.
The high-end version
Introduced by the company in 2022, the TMB 960 is a high-end aircraft and integrates the new PT6E-66XT turboprop engine, purpose-built by Pratt & Whitney Canada for this aircraft, as well as the Hartzell Propeller five-blade composite propeller with the Raptor lightweight hub. Both the engine and propeller systems are connected to the TBM 960’s digital dual-channel electronic engine and propeller control system (EPECS).
EPECS optimizes powerplant performance from engine start to landing, while reducing pilot workload by integrating all functions and protecting engine life. It also allows flying with more precise settings: at Daher’s recommended cruise setting of 308 kts, fuel consumption is only 57 U.S. gallons per hour, a 10% fuel savings for greater sustainability compared to the maximum cruise setting.
Daher’s use of digital power on the TBM 960 extends to the aircraft’s Prestige cabin, which features an all-new environmental control system. Other enhancements include integrated ambient lighting LED strips on both sides of the ceiling panel and electronically adjustable windows, all controlled by a passenger comfort display (PCD).
Daher increased cabin style and comfort with ergonomically enhanced seats, USB-A and USB-C power outlets, along with individual cup holders and headphone hangers for each occupant.
