Daher has unveiled the latest version of its TBM aircraft family, the TBM 980, which integrates Garmin's third-generation G3000 Prime avionics for an unprecedented piloting experience and incorporates cabin enhancements that further increase passenger comfort.

The TBM 980 was introduced at Daher Aircraft's TBM production facility in Tarbes, France, during an event attended by customers, partners, officials and company employees. The unveiling also was viewed by a worldwide audience via a live-streamed presentation.

“Our TBM 980's motto, 'Fly Differently,' is more than just a slogan, because this aircraft redefines the way that pilots and their passengers want to fly. The aircraft is more intuitive and easier to operate,” explains Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of Daher Aircraft. “Its touchscreen-controlled flight deck truly revolutionises the interface between pilots and the avionics, while the passenger experience is further elevated in the six-seat cabin with such features as the capability to install a Starlink Mini terminal for satellite-based internet connectivity, along with 100-watt USB-C ports for the charging of mobile devices, as well as an upgraded passenger display with enroute flight data.”

Chabbert said airworthiness certification has been issued by EASA, along with validation by the FAA, enabling Daher to begin TBM 980 deliveries this month.

“The TBM 980 is the sixth aircraft launched by Daher in the TBM 900 series since we acquired the TBM product line in 2014,” adds Didier Kayat, Daher chairman and CEO. “This underscores our firm commitment to the airplane family's evolution through the continual application of innovation and with our close working relationship with key suppliers.”

The Garmin 3000 Prime avionics' highly intuitive and refined interface significantly improves cockpit ergonomics. Three 14-inch edge-to-edge touchscreen displays ensure seamless control of flight functions, with significant improvements in screen and image quality. Pilot workload is reduced through customisable presets and a streamlined user interface.

Its app-based interface uses shortcuts that enable pilots to quickly access essential functions, such as radios, transponder, flight plan and procedures, without navigating through multiple menus, thereby improving efficiency and reducing workload. The checklist button is replaced with a four-position joystick for up/down scrolling, check and quick access.

Safety remains paramount aboard the TBM 980 with Daher Aircraft's e-copilot concentration of technological innovation and automated systems, proven across the TBM 900 series aircraft. This includes advanced weather detection, icing protection, flight envelope monitoring and emergency descent mode, along with the game-changing HomeSafe emergency autoland functionality.

The TBM 980 is equipped with Garmin's GWX 8000 all-digital radar, which has excellent range and performance with precision target imaging. StormOptix technology automatically adjusts radar settings for more accurate 3D profiling of storm cells.

Precision piloting and excellent operational efficiency are ensured with the TBM 980's features adopted from Daher's best-selling TBM 960 version, including Pratt & Whitney Canada's PT6E-66XT intelligent turboprop engine and the five-blade Hartzell composite propeller, both of which are controlled by a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system.

The TBM 980 is approved for full PRIST-free operations, eliminating the need for anti-icing additives in the fuel system.

Connectivity on the TBM 980 is possible with a Starlink Mini satellite Internet terminal using the factory-installed mounting in the cockpit and a dedicated 100-watt USB-C power port, as well as a comprehensive suite of subscription-based digital services, including Garmin PlaneSync for remote aircraft activation, status monitoring and automated database updates using the Me & My TBM application, the Garmin Pilot and ForeFlight apps, Jeppesen aviation databases and SiriusXM weather and audio services.

The TBM 980 is the first aircraft to be certified under the Daher Aircraft identity. As part of the parent Daher Group's overall restructuring in its ‘Takeoff 2027’ strategic plan, Daher Aircraft has become the legal structure that regroups all activities related to the company's product lines. More than 1,294 TBMs have been delivered worldwide.