TB-30 Epsilon, F-AYOB

The Socata TB 30 Epsilon is a light military trainer aircraft produced by SOCATA (then part of Aérospatiale). It is a tandem two-seater with a metal airframe. The first prototype flew on 22 December 1979.

In 1978, the French Air Force (Armée de l’Air) published a requirement for a new basic trainer aircraft to partially replace the Fouga Magister in the early parts of the syllabus for pilot training.

The Armée de l’Air placed an initial order for 30 Epsilons in 1981, with further contracts following with a total of 150 ordered.

General characteristics

• Length: 7.59 m (24 ft 11 in)
• Wingspan: 7.92 m (26 ft 0 in)
• Empty weight: 932 kg (2,055 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 1,250 kg (2,756 lb)
• Powerplant: × Lycoming AEIO-540-L1B5D 6-cylinder air-cooled horizontally-opposed piston engine, 220 kW (300 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 378 km/h (235 mph, 204 kn)
• Cruise speed: 358 km/h (222 mph, 193 kn)
• Stall speed: 115 km/h (71 mph, 62 kn)
• Never exceed speed: 520 km/h (320 mph, 280 kn)
• Range: 1,300 km (810 mi, 700 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 7,010 m (23,000 ft)