EADS demonstration in New Zealand

EADS Socata manufactures touring, training and business aircraft and also aerostructures for major aircraft producers such as Airbus, Dassault, Embraer, Eurocopter and Lockheed Martin. The headquarters and production are located in the Toulouse region of Southwest France, on the Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrenees Airport.  With over 6,000 aircraft in service worldwide, EADS Socata is one of the leading general aviation manufacturers in the world as well as an industrial partner of major aerospace programs. EADS Socata is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world. The EADS Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

Since the 17th of March EADS Socata has sent a TBM 850 (one of the latest aircraft) for a demonstration around New Zealand, particularly in Wanaka the 21st, 22nd and 23rd of March. 

 

Inside a TBM 850.

"The TBM 850 offers jet performance and excellent short-field characteristics without exposing owners and pilots to the huge leap in direct operating costs, time-consuming transition training, and the insurance premiums associated with the emerging category of light jets. The TBM 850 has much better useful load and range than typical "very light jets". This allows owners to make trips with fewer fuel stops giving them lower travel times and lower operating costs.

Fly non-stop from Chicago to Nassau in the Bahamas, from Vancouver to San Diego. Fly across Europe or Eastern Australia. Cruise at 31,000 feet after a fast climb. Descend swiftly and keep up with jets in busy terminal areas or slip into 2,100-ft strips or mountain airports." (from the official website).

 

Source : EADS Socata