Daher Ups Production, Plans New Aircraft

By 2027, Daher’s aviation division expects to broaden its product lineup with a hybrid-electric TBM and set up a third aircraft production facility in Stuart, Florida, senior vice president Nicolas Chabbert recently announced. The company produces four models—the Kodiak 100 Series III and 900 and TBM 910 and 960. Daher delivered 73 airplanes last year and estimates 85 to 90 deliveries this year.

The additional production line will be at Daher’s aerostructures facility in Stuart. Combined with Kodiak production in Sandpoint, Idaho, and TBM manufacturing in Tarbes, France, the Stuart facility will make both lines and boost total annual output to 120 to 130 airplanes.

That ancillary capacity will be needed as Daher plans to add a fifth model—a hybrid-electric TBM influenced by its EcoPulse technology demonstrator being developed in partnership with Safran and Airbus. According to Chabbert, the hybrid-electric EcoPulse has logged 10 hours to date with two of its six motors installed. Testing has so far focused on thermal issues.

Flight testing of the demonstrator is set to resume in its current four-motor configuration. By June, the EcoPulse will have all six motors installed before making its public debut at the Paris Airshow. Chabbert said Daher is evaluating the motor configurations in stages to guide the development of a production hybrid-electric aircraft, which he expects will enter service in 2027.