Not less than 5 military movements were recorded today at LMML, the highlight of which was a French Air Force Socata TBM-700 ‘146’ that came from Greece on a training flight.
In 1990 the TBM 700 was the first certified high performance pressurized single-engine turboprop. The original model (TBM 700A) was followed by the B model, featuring a large access door to allow easy passenger and baggage loading, as well as newly designed seats to improve comfort. A new interior sported rich leathers and elegant woodwork finished in high gloss with black chrome or gold inlays.
Shortly after launch, the TBM 700 was a market success, which led to the production of multiple variants and improved models, often incorporating more powerful engines and new avionics. The TBM 850 is the production name assigned to the TBM 700N, an improved version of the aircraft powered by a single Pratt & Whitney PT6A-66D. In March 2014, an aerodynamically refined version of the TBM 700N, marketed as the TBM 900, was developed.
The aircraft serves with both the French Air Force and French Army. This particular airframe serves with Escadron ET 00.041 and is based at Villacoublay/Vélizy (LFPV).
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