About the EADS SOCATA TBM 700
The SOCATA TBM 700 is a notable aircraft in the realm of general aviation, originally produced by the French manufacturer SOCATA, which is now part of Daher. The TBM 700 was officially introduced in 1990 and played a pivotal role in filling the niche for single-engine, high-performance turboprop aircraft. The development of the TBM 700 was spurred by the need for a fast, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to light jets. It was aimed at owner-operators, corporate travelers, and small business executives who required a plane that combined speed, range, and the ability to operate from shorter runways. The aircraft shares its partial heritage with the Mooney M301, stemming from a joint effort between Mooney and SOCATA in the late 1980s, although the cooperation ended before the TBM 700's finalization and production by SOCATA alone. The TBM 700 features a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-64 engine, which offers a cruise speed of around 300 knots and a range of approximately 1,500 nautical miles. This performance allows it to compete with small jets while benefitting from lower operating costs and simplified maintenance associated with turboprop engines. Production of the TBM 700 saw continuous improvements and iterations, reflecting the evolving needs and technological advancements in aviation. The aircraft's production continued until the introduction of its successor, the TBM 850, in 2006. Many TBM 700s remain in service today, appreciated for their reliability, superior build quality, and cost efficiency. The TBM 700 set a new standard for single-engine turboprops and laid the foundation for subsequent models in the TBM series, contributing significantly to SOCATA's reputation for producing high-performance, versatile aircraft suitable for a wide range of missions.