Daher-SOCATA
Socata TB 30 Epsilon
Built by the French manufacturer Daher‑Socata, the TB 30 Epsilon entered service in 1982 as a purpose‑built military trainer designed to replace older propeller aircraft in the French Air Force. Its development stemmed from the success of the Socata TB 10 Tobago, yet the Epsilon was tailored for basic flight instruction, aerobatics, and navigation training, incorporating a low‑wing monoplane layout, all‑metal construction, and a fixed tricycle landing gear for durability and low operating costs. Powered by a 260 hp Lycoming O‑540‑D4A engine driving a two‑blade variable‑pitch propeller, the aircraft delivers a maximum speed of roughly 280 km/h and a service ceiling of 6 000 m, while its relatively forgiving handling characteristics make it ideal for novice pilots. Over 400 units have been delivered to more than a dozen air forces, including France, Belgium and Brazil, underscoring its adaptability to diverse training curricula. The TB 30’s significance lies in its role as a bridge between elementary glider training and advanced jet conversion, providing a reliable, cost‑effective platform that has helped shape modern military pilot training doctrines worldwide. Later upgrades introduced glass cockpit instrumentation and improved avionics, extending its service life into the 21st century and reinforcing its reputation as a benchmark for basic jet‑trainer preparation.
Classification
Dimensions
- Length
- 7.59 metre
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1979
- Service Entry
- 1984