Daher has introduced the latest version of the TBM 940, its single-engine very fast turboprop aircraft which includes an automated throttle and automatic deicing system, along with enhancements to inside the cabin.
Succeeding the current TBM 930, the 940 marks steps towards upgrading aircraft performance, safety and comfort. The launch was announced during the safety seminar meeting of the TBM Owners and Pilots Association (TBMOPA), held on March 7 in Pompano Beach, Florida.
Nicolas Chabbert, senior vice president of the Daher airplane business unit, said: “The TBM 940 redefines the ultimate private aircraft. This newest TBM family member underscores our firm commitment to constant improvement for the ownership and operational experience with our very fast turboprop aircraft.”
The automated throttle is the first to be installed on a standard production turboprop aircraft, weighing less than 5.7 metric tonnes. Fully integrated with the autopilot, the single power lever autothrottle automatically adjusts aircraft speeds based on the preset flight profile, from climb-out to landing approach.
In addition to reducing pilot workload, the autothrottle enables a TBM 940 to be operated to the edge of approved power regimes for its Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66D turboprop engine. The engine parameters display is simplified through an intuitive single smart gauge.
When icing or ice accretion is detected, and if the pilot does not take action, the increased automation deicing system is automatically activated for deicing of the airframe, windshield, propeller and the engine’s particle separator. An amber CAS (Crew Alerting System) message is displayed by the avionics, advising the pilot to clear the automatic activation and revert to the manual control mode.
Inside the aircraft cabin, Daher has incorporated ergonomic and style upgrades that include redesigned seats, more thermal insulation for cabin sidewalls, and an additional 115V electrical outlet with USB ports. This brings the total of USB ports to six for passengers and three for the pilots.
The TBM 940 retains the same range and handling qualities as Daher’s TBM 900 series, with more than 267 aircraft in this product line delivered from the overall production to date for the very fast turboprop aircraft.
Certification of the TBM 940 by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the FAA is expected to be received at Aero Friedrichshafen 2019, the largest European airshow for general aviation, allowing new aircraft deliveries late spring this year.