By Brent Bundy | October 18, 2022 Estimated reading time 3 minutes, 47 seconds.
Daher presented the media with updates to its product line during press day leading up to the opening of NBAA-BACE 2022 in Orlando, Florida.
Daher CEO, Didier Kayat, and senior VP of the aircraft division and CEO of Daher Aircraft & Kodiak Aircraft, Nicolas Chabbert, kicked things off by proudly announcing that the milestone 1100th TBM airplane was delivered this month to a longtime TBM customer. This comes on the heels of the unveiling of the TBM 960 earlier this year.
Daher will soon be rolling out the 40th example of the new model, which is both FAA and EASA certified. Chabbert stated that customers are already reporting excellent feedback on the 960, particularly on the PT6E-66XT powerplant and Hartzell five-blade Raptor composite propeller — which are controlled by the dual-channel Engine and Propeller Electronic Control System (EPECS). Also finding favor with both pilots and passengers is the HomeSafe emergency autoland feature.
The other big news from Daher this year was officially announced at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh: the Kodiak 900. A larger, faster version of the venerable Kodiak 100, the new iteration carries on the traditions of its smaller forerunner with short takeoff and landing capabilities, but expands on the formula with a 3.9-foot longer cabin, 210 KTAS cruise speed, and a maximum range of 1,129 nm. All of these improvements come with a nine percent reduction in fuel consumption. This is accomplished via the 900-shaft-horsepower PT6A-140A engine, which includes a 4,000-hour TBO. The improved performance is opening the Kodiak 900 up to new special mission possibilities, including law enforcement, medevac, air ambulance, cargo/freight, and more.
Chabbert added that EASA certification is imminent for the $3.5 million aircraft, which is already sold out through 2024.
Environmental concerns are forefront for all manufacturers with emphasis on sustainability, and Daher is fully onboard with this initiative with its “Me & My TBM” app that promotes more eco-friendly flying. Also, beginning Oct. 17, all planes leaving the production facility will use sustainable aviation fuel, bringing them closer to the carbon-free 2050 goal.
Both the TBM 960 and Kodiak 900 will be available for viewing all week at the static display at Orlando Executive Airport.
