Daher Socata showcased a polished aluminium TBM850 at 2013 NBAA DAHER-SOCATA showcased a 2013 TBM 850 Elite Model with an eye-catching exterior finish at the recently concluded National Business Aviation Association Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas. The special treatment consisted of a bare metal finish across most of the airframe, complemented by grey metal paint on the fuselage bottom and for the composite parts, along with a powerful matte black tail. Adding to the TBM 850 Elite’s very special look is its full black onyx cabin interior with carbon fiber fittings. This bare metal finish required a study to determine the viability of its in-service longevity by DAHER-SOCATA’s Design Office and the Alclad supplier. A key element in the treatment was its polish paste, replacing the factory-standard anti-corrosion application that usually involves a primer coating and several layers of white paint. DAHER-SOCATA has designed a tailored maintenance program for the ongoing care of these surfaces for the new owner. After the process, this specially-treated TBM 850 is 100 lbs. (50-kg) lighter than a standard production airplane with an empty weight of 4466 lbs. (2,023-kg) providing 947 lbs, (430-kg) payload with full fuel. The NBAA 2013 exhibition provided showcase for DAHER-SOCATA's first-ever ‘concept plane’ treatment of this type, which underscores DAHER-SOCATA’s skills in meeting customers’ requests for stylized and very distinctive aircraft,” explained Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of DAHER-SOCATA’s Airplane Division. “In achieving these results for a particular TBM 850 owner, we processed the aircraft rapidly while also acquiring new skills in the process. For more information: SOCATA North America, Inc. North Perry Airport, 7501 South Airport Rd. Pembroke Pines, FL 33023 / USA www.tbm850.com ***