TBM 850 Still Fast With Glass

Socata designed a new paint scheme for the TBM 850 to coincide with the introduction of the Garmin G1000 all-glass cockpit. Photography By Eads Socata / Erik Hildebrandt

The TBM 850 has a three-display G1000 system with the oversized MFD in the center. It is very similar to the avionics system in Cessna's light jet Mustang.

A keypad mounted just ahead of the throttle can be used to enter data and control other aspects of the G1000 system as well as using the knobs and buttons mounted on the display bezels.

The big MFD can be windowed to show engine and other critical data, a moving map and system operation. The fuel system schematic is called up in this photo.

The colors on the moving map indicate topographical features with the darker browns and oranges showing higher elevations just as they do on a chart.

The map shows a TBM 850 leaving the factory in France headed for the United States. The initial leg crosses the United Kingdom and then it's on to Iceland or Greenland for fuel.

As items are checked off on the electronic checklist they turn green. The active item is highlighted in white.

A folding table extends from the right side of the cabin to allow passengers to work or eat while en route.

The left rear seat easily folds flat to provide access to the baggage space aft.

Looking aft with all four passenger seats in place. Individual seats can be quickly removed to provide more space for people or baggage.

The wingtip navigation light and strobe are combined into a single compact unit.

Static ports on the fuselage must be kept clean for accurate air data computer performance.

The jet fuel can be locked inside the TBM 850 wing tanks.

This TBM 850 has the optional forward pilot door.

Notice how the wing flaps cover nearly all of the trailing edge. It is this very large flap that helps to keep the TBM 850 stalling speed at just above 61 knots when flying at maximum takeoff weight.

The main landing gear was beefed up on the 850 to better withstand rapid taxi turns and less than ideal crosswind landing technique.

The engine air inlet below the prop spinner is heated to prevent ice formation.

The weather radar is mounted in a pod near the left wingtip. The G1000 avionics system also receives XM Weather via satellite.

The ventral fins under the aft fuselage help add directional stability, and also contribute to the TBM 850's good behavior at the stall.

With the cowling and both doors open the TBM 850 offers easy access. Note the N-number. The GC stands for glass cockpit.

Photos

Flying StaffEditor

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TBM 850 Still Fast With Glass

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