New Retrofit Replaces Steam Gauges And First Generation CRT Electronics

Daher-Socata has delivered the first avionics-modernized TBM 700 turboprop aircraft with a Garmin G600/GTN 750 new-generation glass cockpit avionics retrofit, replacing mechanical equipment and first-generation cathode ray tube (CRT) electronic flight displays.

The Garmin G600 is an instrument panel upgrade that pairs a liquid-crystal primary flight display (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD) in a single 10-inch bezel.  Capabilities of its sophisticated graphics include Synthetic Vision Technology, providing a “virtual reality” perspective view along the aircraft’s flight path.

This upgrade’s cost, including replacement of the instrument panel, begins at $120,000 for a dual-screen G600 basic package – with an installation time estimated at 250 man-hours.

Daher-Socata offers an upgraded package with the combination of G600 and a Garmin GTN 750 GPS/NAV/COM system which uses a touchscreen interface on a larger display screen, offering graphical flight planning, transponder control, audio control and electronic chart capabilities. L-3 Avionics Systems’ Trilogy ESI-2000 standby attitude equipment also is a part of the package to replace traditional stand-by instruments.

The new retrofit package, which was announced at last year’s AirVenture Oshkosh aviation event, is a lower-cost alternative to a full retrofit with the Garmin G1000 integrated flight instrument system.

The G600/GTN750 package provides pilots of TBM 700s and non-G1000- TBM 850s with enhanced situational awareness and workload reduction.

The initial customer aircraft to be modernized is a 2004 model year TBM 700C2 owned and operated by Louis-Alain Dumont, which received an additional avionics package incorporating a second Garmin G600 dual screen for the copilot, a second GTN 750, a GMA 35 audio panel, a GSR 56 satphone system and new GTX33 transponders. “We thank Louis-Alain for his confidence in our services, as he is the first to order this cockpit modernization for a TBM,” commented Stephane Mayer, CEO of Daher-Socata. “Building on our experience with avionics modernizations that have involved some 150 aircraft and helicopters to date from governmental fleets, we are now extending our expertise to private owners who are looking for cost-effective upgrade solutions.”

“The new installation is a huge improvement over the original equipment. It has completely transformed my TBM 700C2,” stated Louis-Alain Dumont.

“Our avionics team has done a fine job to offer a high quality and functional system avionics package,” said Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of Daher-Socata’s Airplane Business Unit. “It is definitely an attractive upgrade for owners of the more than 400 non-glass TBM 700s and TBM 850s at an affordable cost, which will increase the overall value of their aircraft.”

(Image provided by Daher-Socata)

FMI: www.tbm.aero