The TBM 930 is a single-engine turboprop business jet, designed and developed by Daher. It was unveiled in Tarbes, France, in April 2016. The aircraft was first displayed at the Sun ‘n’ Fun International Fly-In Expo at Lakeland Airport, Florida, US.
Both the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted airworthiness-type certificates to the TBM 930, and initial orders of the aircraft will be delivered in April 2016.
TBM 930 design and features
The TBM 930 is an enhanced version of the TBM 900 business jet, which was introduced in March 2014. The new aircraft is constructed using a variety of aluminium and steel alloys as well as titanium and advanced composite materials. It also comes with anti-corrosion protection treatment, soundproofing, thermal insulation and new inner gear doors.
With the aim of improving aerodynamics and reducing drag, the aircraft includes 2ft winglets, which are attached to the ailerons. The winglets help improve handling at both low speeds and high angles of attack.
The jet has a restructured tail cone and additional light at the tip of the tail. It is fitted with a retractable landing gear with electro-hydraulic actuation.
A pilot access door, a large access door with retractable stairway, as well as emergency and maintenance doors provide access to the jet.
The external dimensions of the aircraft are 10.73m in length, 4.35m in height, and a wingspan of 12.83m. The wheelbase is 2.91m and tailplane span is 4.98m.
Flightdeck and avionics of the business jet
A Garmin G3000 touchscreen glass flightdeck is used in the reconfigured cockpit, along with improved interior trimmings and a new bespoke e-co-pilot safety system.
The avionics include dual flight controls, control wheel with seven integrated functions, autopilot, electric pitch trim and rudder trim, central console including single-lever power control, adjustable rudder pedals, landing gear handle, dual-toe brakes, and parking brake. An automatic environment and pressurisation control system, alternate static source control, and alternate ram air source control are also provided.
TB930 Cabin details
The aircraft has a spacious cabin to accommodate up to six passengers. The cabin dimensions are 4.05m in length, 1.21m in width, 1.22m in height, and 3.5m³ in volume.
Easy-recline leather seats with padded leather armrests are found in the cabin, along with storage cabinet configurations and baggage space.
Engine and performance
The aircraft is powered by a single PT6A-66D turboprop engine, which is manufactured by Pratt & Whitney (P&W) Canada. Driven by a five-bladed Hartzell constant-speed propeller, the engine has a thermodynamic power of 1,825hp and nominal power of 850shp. The usable fuel capacity of the aircraft is 1,100l.
At cruising speed, the jet travels at 467km/h at long-range settings, while the maximum cruise speed is 611km/h at 28,000ft altitude. The maximum range of the aircraft is 3,304km at 467km/h cruise speed.
The aircraft has a certified ceiling of 9,449m, which it can climb in 18 minutes and 45 seconds.
It has an empty weight of 2,097kg, maximum take-off weight of 3,354kg, and maximum payload capacity of 636kg. It needs a take-off runway distance of 726m and landing distance of 741m.