Socata Tbm-850

Single Turboprop· 330 globally registered

The Daher TBM 850 is a high-performance single-engine turboprop that redefined what owner-flown aircraft could achieve when it entered service in 2006. Built by the French manufacturer Daher (formerly SOCATA), the TBM 850 is the fastest certified single-engine turboprop in production, cruising at 320 knots and capable of reaching FL310, performance that rivals many light jets while burning a fraction of the fuel. Its Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66D engine delivers 850 shaft horsepower, enabling a maximum range of 1,585 nautical miles and a climb rate that puts it at 26,000 feet in under eleven minutes. The TBM 850 occupies a unique niche between high-end piston singles and entry-level jets, offering pressurized comfort for up to six occupants with operating economics that appeal to both private owners and corporate flight departments. Its speed and ceiling allow it to overfly most weather and operate efficiently in the flight levels, while its single-engine simplicity keeps acquisition and maintenance costs well below twin-turboprop or jet territory. The type has become particularly popular in North America for business travel, air ambulance operations, and as a personal transport for pilots seeking maximum capability without the complexity of multi-engine type ratings. Daher has continuously refined the TBM line since acquiring the program from Mooney, with the 850 representing a significant power and avionics upgrade over the earlier TBM 700. The cockpit features a Garmin G1000 glass panel as standard, and the aircraft's handling characteristics (responsive controls, excellent short-field performance, and a relatively benign stall) have earned it a reputation as a pilot's airplane despite its demanding performance envelope. The TBM 850 was succeeded by the TBM 900 in 2014, which introduced further aerodynamic refinements, but the 850 remains highly sought-after on the pre-owned market. SkyMeter has tracked 512 flights across 156 airframes and 140 operators, with TRIMBLE WILLIAM C III the largest observed operator.