The first customer TBM 700C2, the latest variant of EADS Socata’s Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-64-powered turboprop single, has arrived at Socata’s U.S. headquarters in Pembroke Pines, Fla., ready for delivery to its Wisconsin-based owner as soon as FAA certification is finalized, which was expected at press time. Compared with its predecessor, the TBM 700B, the C has an 815-pound increase in mtow (to 7,394 pounds from 6,579 pounds), an upgraded avionics package from Honeywell and a second baggage compartment behind the pressurized cabin. The airframe and landing gear have been beefed up to accommodate the increased weight. Also, the redesigned interior has cabin seats dynamically tested to 20 gs.
Though the base price of the C over the B has increased by some $150,000 to $2.64 million, onboard oxygen and air conditioning–each $25,000 options on earlier TBMs–are now standard. According to the company, TBM 700C2s are typically selling at $2.66 million, including all options. One of the most popular is the additional pilot door, priced at $50,000.
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