EADS Socata today announced the formal launch of the TBM 700B Freighter - the cargo version of its high performance TBM 700 turboprop aircraft. The company's go-ahead decision was detailed during a press conference at the National Business Aviation Association's annual convention. It follows the order of six TBM 700s in the freighter configuration by U.S. launch customer Quest Diagnostics.
EADS Socata today announced the formal launch of the TBM 700B Freighter - the cargo version of its high performance TBM 700 turboprop aircraft.
The company's go-ahead decision, which was detailed during a press conference at the National Business Aviation Association's annual convention, follows the order of six TBM 700s in the freighter configuration by U.S. launch customer Quest Diagnostics.
EADS Socata is offering the new TBM 700 version to operators requiring a fast, reliable and economical way of transporting high-value and perishable cargo.
There is a growing demand for freighters with the TBM 700's high speed and 1,600-kg. payload capability, as well for corporate aircraft with four passengers and short-field performance capable of covering a 1,000 naut. mi. range.
These types of operations are flown today primarily by aging twin-engine piston aircraft, whose cost of operation and 200-knot (250-mph) cruising speed no longer meet operators' requirements. There are approximately 25,000 aircraft of this category currently in service - including the Cessna 310 and 421 series, and Piper PA 23s and 31s.
EADS Socata is targeting to win a significant portion of this market with the TBM 700 during the next five years, and the company has received a large number of inquiries from operators who are seriously considering the single-turboprop over the classic twin. With 10 years of excellent in-service experience, the single-engine TBM 700 turboprop has demonstrated that it offers an economical and reliable alternative in terms of performance and safety.
Quest Diagnostics is typical of the operators seeking a fast, capable and efficient replacement aircraft. The Teterboro, New Jersey-based company ordered TBM 700 Freighters to replace a part of its aging Cessna 310 fleet, which is used to support a national network of medical laboratories and patient service centers.
Three TBM 700Bs converted into the freighter version already have been delivered to Quest Diagnostics, along with a spare parts inventory and associated services that include flight and ground crew training. Three new TBM 700B Freighters will be delivered to the operator at the beginning of 2002.
The TBM 700 Freighter modifications were developed by EADS Socata and implemented on the Quest aircraft by Oxford Aviation. This Oxford, Maine-based modification and aircraft refinishing specialist integrated the tie-downs for three restraining nets, installed new cabin liners and incorporated an improved lighting system. Oxford Aviation obtained the freighter STC, while Banyan Air Services of Fort Lauderdale, Florida modified the aircraft's avionics to Quest Diagnostics requirements.
Quest Diagnostics' TBM 700 Freighters have a cabin freight volume of 123 cu. ft (3.5 cu. meters), and the aircraft's reinforced floor allows for a useful cargo load of 1,600 lb. (725 kg.) The Freighter is equipped with the optional pilot access door on the aircraft’s forward left side, allowing the cabin to be fully loaded using the TBM 700’s large standard rear door.
