The TBM-MMA multi-mission configuration for Daher-Socata's TBM very fast turboprop family was shown for the first time in africa with the aircraft's appearance at the 2012 Marrakesh Air Show.
Exhibited during last week’s event at Marrakesh airport’s Royal Moroccan Air Force base was the TBM-MMA demonstrator platform, which is a modified TBM 700b version.
The TBM-MMA offers a range of mission capabilities, including intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance, along with medical airlift and liaison. The capability is available for new-production TBMTBM50s, as well as for retrofit on the earlier TBM 700s.
“This year’s Marrakesh air show provides an excellent opportunity to present the TBM-MMA for Africa, where the multi-role aircraft is perfectly tailored as a highly affordable, cost-effective multi-mission airborne platform for both security and governmental operators,” said Nicolas Chabbert, senior vice president of the Daher-Socata airplane division. “It is based on the proven TBM very fast turboprop aircraft product line – which has an excellent operational and maintenance record, especially in service with the French armed forces.”
In its intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance (ISR) configuration – which was shown at the Marrakesh air show – the TBM-MMA is outfitted with a gyro-stabilized multi-sensor turret located under the aircraft’s aft fuselage. This electrically-driven system is fully-retractable, and accommodates up to four latest-generation sensors, including infrared and electro-optical systems, along with a laser rangefinder and a laser designator to mark targets.
Control of the turret is performed from inside the cabin with a portable operator’s console that displays video images and also handles signal processing. A data recording function is available for the processing of sensor information, which can be performed aboard the aircraft or downlinked to an operational ground control station via a data transmission system.
For medical evacuation missions, the TBM-MMA is equipped with a stretcher and patient loader system, with the ability for rapid cabin reconfiguration to passenger seats for liaison duties.
The TBM-MMA is well suited for armed forces, governmental agencies and contract operators, providing a capable, efficient answer to needs as diverse as urban security, the fight against trafficking and pollution, border and coastal surveillance, aerial detection of forest fires, medevac and other applications.
The first TBM-MMA was delivered by Daher-Socata last year to Argentina’s PSA (policía de seguridad aeroportuaria) airport security police law enforcement agency that protects and guards the country’s national public airports. The PSA’s TBM-MMA is actively performing its missions, and includes the medical evacuation capability with a quick-change installation for a stretcher.
Daher-Socata’s TBM 850 is the world’s fastest single-engine turboprop, with a maximum cruise speed of 320 ktas at 26,000 ft. (in isa conditions). Both the TBM 850 and the company’s TBM 700 combine the cruise speed and travel times typical of light jets with economical direct operating costs, while offering the range and payload capacity of turboprop aircraft.
The TBM 700 and TBM 850 fleet now stands at 585 aircraft. As of March 31 2012, the total flight time of these aircraft exceeded 930,000 flight hours.
Article Source : Arabian Aerospace
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