Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) Application Receives MCA

The Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) version of its multi-mission TBM very fast turboprop aircraft has received a Major Change Approval (MCA) from the EASA.

In announcing the MCA Tuesday, the company said it is applicable to all TBM 700 and 850 models, and will enable Daher-Socata to present the ISR version of its TBM-MMA demonstrator to potential customers – which include governmental organizations, military services, civilian agencies and contract operators.

Daher-Socata’s TBM-MMA demonstrator is a TBM 700B that has been outfitted for its multi-mission aircraft (MMA) role with the Thales AGILE 2 gyro-stabilized multi-sensor turret. Located under the aircraft’s aft fuselage, this electrically-driven turret 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. “The EASA’s Major Change Approval is the result of a multi-year development program, which has evolved a highly affordable airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform for both security and governmental operators,” said Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice-President of the Daher-Socata Airplane Division. “It brings together the proven Thales Agile 2 multi-sensor system – which already is in operation on several airborne and naval platforms worldwide, with the TBM very fast turboprop.”

Control of the TBM MMA’s retractable turret is performed from a “plug-and-play” operator’s console inside the cabin. A joystick is provided for the operator, and the console is configured to display imagery from the turret, as well as handle signal processing. A long-duration digital recording function also is available. The console is designed for installation on all TBM models, enabling both the TBM 700 and TBM 850 to perform observation, detection and data-gathering missions. Easily installed on existing cabin floor hard points, this console replaces the TBM’s existing right  intermediate seat. The installation weight is approximately 290 lbs., enabling an equipped TBM 850 MMA to carry a full fuel payload of 730 lbs. With a removal time of 30 minutes, the TBM MMA can be quickly reconfigured to a passenger transport configuration.

FMI: www.daher.com