The SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad is an all-metal low-wing, four or five seat light cabin aircraft, powered by a single 250 hp piston engine,
fitted with retractable tricycle landing gear. In 1975, SOCATA (Société de Construction d'Avions de Tourisme et d'Affaires) started
the development of a new light aircraft to replace the ageing Rallye. A universal low-wing four-seat airframe was chosen to be the
basic of a new light aircraft line. The prototype, designated SOCATA TB-10 flew first on 10 February 1977. Three development aeroplanes
followed this prototype "F-WJZP". Deliveries of the production TB-10 Tobago planes, initially powered by a 180 hp Lycoming
O-360-A1AD engine, started in 1979. Next to the TB-10 Tobago the airframe was the base of a family of light aircraft, starting in 1980
with the TB-9 Tampico followed later that year by the TB-20 Trinidad, that was first flew on 14 November 1980. More than 2.150 TB-type
aircraft have entered service worldwide. The Aircraft Type Designator for the SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad is TRIN. |