Designed for initial training of military pilots, the Epsilon is a Two-seat military primary/basic trainer and counter-insurgency aircraft. Capable of flying under high load factors and in inverted flight. Powered by a piston engine, its performance and its cockpit allow training pilots to become familiar with their future fighter aircraft. The Epsilon is in service in the French Air Force, Portuguese Air Force and Togo.

Operators

• France French Air Force – 46 in service (2008)
• Portugal - Portuguese Air Force – 16 in service (2010)
• Senegal - Senegalese Air Force – 2 in service (2010)
• Togo - Togolese Air Force – 3 in service (2010)

General characteristics

• Crew: 2
• Length: 7.59 m (24 ft 10¾ in)
• Wingspan: 7.92 m (25 ft 11¾ in)
• Height: 2.66 m (8 ft 8¾ in)
• Wing area: 9.00 m² (96.9 ft²)
• Airfoil: RA 1643 at root, RA 1243 at tip
• Aspect ratio: 7.0
• Empty weight: 932 kg (2,055 lb)
• Max. takeoff weight: 1,250 kg (2,755 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming AEIO-540-L1B5D air-cooled flat-6 engine, 225 kW (300 hp)

Performance

• Never exceed speed: 520 km/h (281 knots, 323 mph)
• Maximum speed: 378 km/h (204 knots, 236 mph) at sea level
• Cruise speed: 358 km/h (193 knots, 222 mph) at 1,830 m (6,000 ft) (75% power)
• Stall speed: 115 km/h (62 knots, 72 mph) flaps and gear down, power off
• Range: 1,300 km (700 nmi, 810 mi)
• Endurance: 3 hr 45 min
• Service ceiling: 7,010 m (23,000 ft)
• Rate of climb: 1,850 ft/min (9.4 m/s)

Armament

• Up to 480 kg (1,100 kg) on four underwing hardpoints (export versions)

SOCATA TB30B Epsilon 121/315-YL

144/315-ZI

All pictures courtesy of Zijde Aviation Photo and Publishing, Rob Vogelaar and Marcel van Leeuwen