Socata TB series | |
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Socata TB200 Tobago XL | |
Role | Light single engine piston aircraft |
Manufacturer | Socata |
Introduction | 1975 |
Status | Out of production, in active service |
Number built | 2,150 (2007) |
Unit cost |
$520,000 (2007)
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The Socata TB is a series of light single engine piston aircraft developed and manufactured by French aircraft company SOCATA. The letters TB within the designation stands for Tarbes, the French city where the aircraft is manufactured. The TB series planes have come to be known as the "Caribbean Planes", due to the island naming convention adopted for the various models, though they are not often seen flown in that region.
All aircraft (with the exception of the TB9) have a constant speed propeller. The TB series have become widely used training and touring aircraft and are often used for instrument training. They are defined by their superior (and contemporary) fit and finish and interior size; compared to other four-seat single-engine aircraft, they are relatively roomy at 49 inches (124 cm) at the shoulder, plus or minus. In part, this is due to the fuselage having a pronounced "round out" above the wing. Adding to the actual spaciousness, the side windows extend up well into the roof line, giving the Socata an airy feeling. Due to the larger fuselage, and relatively heavy weights, TB series aircraft have lower performance figures than a similarly sized and powered but narrower aircraft, and the trade-off of in speed for comfort is often cited by TB owners.
During the 2000s, sales of the TB family suffered as a consequence of a worldwide aviation recession, leading to SOCATA seeking to restructure the marketing and production aspects of the programme. Leading on from several cost-cutting measures, such as reorganisations of staff, negotiations with suppliers, and outsourcing, between 2004 and 2008, the company sought to transfer all production of the TB series out of France, selecting Romania to produce the type. However, sales of the type failed to recover, resulting in the end of series production in favour of built-to-order manufacturing instead and, eventually, the termination of all marketing and production activities by 2012. Support remains for existing customers, and new upgrades had been introduced for these aircraft, such as the option to retrofit glass cockpits.
During the mid-1970s, French aircraft company SOCATA commenced design work on what would become the TB family of general aircraft; a key ambition of this new product line was to entirely replace the firm's existing and highly successful Rallye series of aircraft. As intended, throughout 1979, production of the Rallye family began to draw down as production of the new family; the initial entry models of which were designated as the 'TB-9 Tampico and the TB-10 Tobago. On 18 December 1980, a improved model of the aircraft, designated as the TB20, was awarded its type certification by the French aviation authorities. During Match 1981, the first delivery of a production TB20 was completed to a German customer. Various improved models of the TB series were subsequently developed.