Algar Aviation is here at LABACE 2014 showing the Daher-Socata TBM 900, the latest member of the TBM family of single-turboprop business airplanes. Algar is the exclusive distributor of the TBM 900 in Brazil.

To date, Algar has sold five TBM 900s in Brazil. The aircraft on display in São Paulo is the first example to arrive in the country. There are now 23 TBM airplanes based in Brazil.

Derived from theTBM850 (itself a variant of the originalTBM700), the 900 offers better efficiency and performance without an increase in fuel consumption or engine power, according to Daher-Socata. The aircraft received bothFAA andEASAapproval even before it was publicly unveiled on March12.

Winglets, a new tail-cone, a vertical tailfin strake and a Hartzell five-blade composite propeller with redesigned spinner distinguish theTBM900 externally from its predecessors. From the nose to the firewall the aircraft has been redesigned to improve engine airflow circulation, through use of a banana-shaped air intake, carbon-fiber cowlings and new exhauststacks.

The new model retains the Pratt&Whitney CanadaPT6A-66D turboprop engine found on theTBM 850, as well as its Garmin G1000 avionics suite. According to Daher-Socata, customers have been pleased with the 850’s Garmin glass cockpit, so it decided to retain the system in the 900. However, the cockpit does include several “enhanced human-machine interface features,” including an ergonomic control yoke and revised cockpit center pedestal that incorporates single-lever powercontrol.

Other new features include a revamped electrical system with a 300-amp starter generator, which provides a semi-automatic start-up, and a 100-amp standby alternator. In addition, theTBM900 has lower cabin noise levels than its predecessor, an automated pressurization system and new-designseats.

Compared with the TBM 850, theTBM900’s top cruise speed has increased by 10 knots, to 330 knots atFL280, and maximum range with a 45-minute reserve has been extended from 1,585 nm to 1,730 nm with five passengers, thanks to a fuel consumption reduction to 37 gallons perhour.

Because theTBM900 can use all of the available 850 shp of engine power on takeoff, compared with 700 shp on theTBM850, the 900’s ground roll is reduced by 460 feet, to 2,380 feet, at sea level. Meanwhile, an improved climb rate enables the turboprop to reach its 31,000-foot ceiling in 18 minutes 45 seconds, about two minutes quicker than in theTBM850.