At SUN ’n FUN, Daher marks the first year of commercial and operational success with its TBM 960

One year after the TBM 960 launch at the 2022 SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo, Daher returns to the annual air show event with an order book exceeding two years of production for this efficient and fast single-engine turboprop aircraft. Displayed on Daher’s exhibit stand is a 2023 Model Year TBM 960 whose “Sirocco” paint scheme includes black mask highlighting around the cockpit windows.  To date, Daher has delivered a total of nearly 60 TBM 960s, with a majority of these aircraft received to North American customers. Deliveries also have been made in Europe (including France, Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom).

Nicolas Chabbert, the Senior Vice President of Daher’s Aircraft Division, commented: “The TBM 960 has surpassed all previous sales records, confirming the capabilities of digital power for this latest high-end member of our TBM 900-series aircraft family. The owners and operators give high marks for its superior piloting experience, high level of safety and increased cabin comfort, as well as the enhanced efficiency and sustainability.”

The Model Year 2023 TBM 960’s Garmin G3000® integrated flight deck is further enhanced with updated software. Additionally, Daher’s continued focus on ergonomics for operational safety and situational awareness includes a control yoke activation button for the Garmin Electronic Checklists, and the repositioning of altimeter setting button.

Key features of the TBM 960 include the new PT6E-66XT turboprop engine – purpose-built by Pratt & Whitney Canada for this aircraft, and Hartzell Propeller’s five-blade composite propeller with the Raptor lightweight hub. Both the engine and propeller system are linked to the TBM 960’s dual-channel digital Engine and Propeller Electronic Control System (EPECS).

With the EPECS, the PT6E-66XT’s startup is fully automated after a single-switch activation. The cockpit’s power lever becomes an e-throttle, using a single forward position from takeoff to landing – with the EPECS optimizing powerplant performance throughout the flight envelope while reducing pilot workload by integrating all functions and protecting the engine’s life.

The Hartzell propeller is fully integrated into the aircraft’s propulsion system. It is specifically designed to reduce overall weight and improve the TBM 960’s takeoff distance, climb and cruise speed. Turning at 1,925 rpm during maximum power output, the propeller contributes to limiting noise and vibration. Its sound level during takeoff is just 76.4 decibels, meeting the most stringent international noise standards.

In retaining the performance of Daher’s TBM 900-series aircraft, the TBM 960’s digital control enables the pilot to fly with more precise settings. At Daher’s recommended cruise setting of 308 kts., the fuel consumption is only 57 U.S. gallons per hour – a 10 percent fuel economy compared to the maximum cruise setting for more sustainability.
 
Daher’s use of digital power for the TBM 960 extends into the aircraft’s Prestige cabin, featuring an all-new environmental control system produced by Enviro Systems Inc. Other enhancements include LED ambience strip lighting integrated into both sides of the overhead ceiling panel, and electronically-dimmable windows – all controlled by a Passenger Comfort Display (PCD). Other enhancements in the cabin’s style and comfort are ergonomically enhanced seats, USB-A and USB-C power plugs, along with individual cupholders and headset hangers for each occupant.
 
The TBM 960 retains safety features that have contributed to the commercial success of Daher’s previous high-end TBM version – the TBM 940. Notably, the G3000 integrated flight deck enables the TBM’s e-copilot functions: icing protection system; flight envelope monitoring through the Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) and the Under-speed Protection (USP) systems; the Emergency Descent Mode (EDM) function; as well as the game-changing HomeSafe™ emergency autoland system.
 
To date, Daher has delivered a total of 1,132 TBMs in the aircraft’s 12 different versions, with approximately 80 percent of them acquired by North American customers – a majority of which are based in the United States. Daher’s Aircraft Division coordinates its presence in the North American market through the regional headquarters and support facility at Pompano Beach, Florida.
 
At this week’s SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo, the TBM 960 will be joined by Daher’s other new aircraft – the Kodiak 900, which also was launched last year as part of the company’s continual improvement strategy for its turboprop-powered airplane product line.

As part of Daher’s participation at the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo, an educational forum session entitled: “Stepping up to the TBM 960” will be presented by Wayman Luy, the Director of Training and Standards at Daher’s Aircraft Division. Scheduled at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, and Friday, March 31, attendees will earn credit for the FAA’s WINGS pilot proficiency program. The forum sessions are to be held in Room CFAA-08 of the Central Florida Aerospace Academy, 4141 Medulla Road at the main entrance to SUN ’n FUN.