Founded in 1911, the DAHER-SOCATA (formerly just Socata) general aviation group has produced over 17,000 airplanes and other items. During their tenure as one of the worlds more popular small aircraft manufacturers, SOCATA has also developed a worldwide service and support network. This network helped with their launch of the groups TBM 850.

The DAHER-SOCATA TBM 850 is a smaller aircraft thats aimed at owners and operators who want an aircraft that performs like a jet but is available at the price of a turboprop. The single-engine TBM 850 is available for around $2.9 million, making it one of the more affordable models on the market today.

The jet performance comes from the planes unique pairing of high-tech engine components and state-of-the-art navigational features. The Pratt & Whitney PT6A engine is ahead of its time in terms of pure performance from a relatively lightweight engine, and the improved flight deck model makes the TBM a maneuvering marvel.

The Garmin G1000 integrated flight deck provides a giant leap in technology for the TBM 850. With the optional synthetic-vision technology available, pilots get to view a three-dimensional terrain while flying. This advanced feature enables pilots to plot out a course free of traffic and other obstacles, including even bad weather systems.

SOCATAs TBM 850 also has the all-around robust performance of any comparable jet. An aircraft so lightweight and so powerful is able to move around on a dime - so to speak - while flying the friendly skies. This greatly helps with fuel efficiency, since long-course flight patterns are eliminated.

The aircraft is relatively small, however, making it suitable for small tours and trips, and not so much a sought after plane for the business class individuals. The TBM 850 is only able to carry six people, including the pilot and copilot, but the cabin of the plane does provide a lot of leg and head room for the passengers.

Speed is a crucial aspect of any jet-like airplane expecting to make a splash in the market. For the TBM 850, a boost in speed over previous DAHER-SOCATA models was needed, and this particular aircraft is able to fly at speeds of up to 368 miles per hour not exactly a tortoise in the race by any stretch of the imagination.

DAHER-SOCATA was formed when EADS Socata merged with the French conglomerate Daher. This not only helped to broaden the scope of each manufacturers particular offerings, but it also enabled the production and release of the jet-prop hybrid TBM 850.

Apart from outright ownership, the company also has a program underway to entice piston owners to try their hand at a TBM 850. The co-ownership program offered by DAHER-SOCATA gives any individual 100 days in the aircraft per year for $1 million. This venture is basically a time-share for an airplane.