Socata Aircraft - Aviation Parts and Components Lookup

Operating Segments: Aerospace & Civil Aviation

HQ: Marseille, France

About SOCATA

SOCATA is a French manufacturer of general aviation aircraft such as business planes, small personal or training aircraft, and aircraft structures. Their aircraft are powered by piston or turboprop engines and their aerostructures are used by manufacturers including Airbus, Dassault, Embraer, Eurocopter, and Lockheed Martin.

The company started in 1911 under the name Morane-Saulnier. During the 20th century, the company was a producer of civilian and military aircraft. Morane-Saulnier played an important role in the development of synchronization gear, which allowed mounted machine guns to fire past a propeller’s spin without bullets making contact with the propeller. The company was purchased by Sotez in 1962, who rebranded it as SOCATA (Société de Construction d'Avions de Tourisme et d’Affaires). Shortly thereafter, SOCATA was purchased by Sud Aviation. Sud Aviation eventually became part of Aerospatiale, which later transformed into the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS). In 2008, EADS purchased a majority stake in SOCATA, renaming the company Daher-SOCATA. In 2015, the SOCATA name was dropped and the company now operates as Daher.

Products, Services, and Platforms

• Commercial Aircraft: Daher currently produces the TBM series of aircraft, single-engine turboprop aircraft designed for executive transport and civil utility. Other SOCATA aircraft include light trainers and tourers, all of them powered by piston or turboprop engines.

• Aerospace Systems and Components: In addition to entire aircraft, Daher also manufactures aircraft structures including wings, empennages, doors, airframes, fairings, nacelles, and engine parts. The company also manufactures interior components such as floor coverings, cargo nets, and air distribution systems.

• Industrial Logistics and Supply Chain Services: Daher offers logistics management and solutions by leveraging robotics, automation, and cloud computing, with a focus on visibility and traceability. Their supply chain services division oversees the digitalization of factories and business processes to improve the efficiency of industrial tasks. This allows customers to track their purchased goods in real-time through the supply chain.

Subsidiaries/Partners

Daher’s primary subsidiaries include Vanatome SA, Lhotellier Montrichard, Quest Aircraft, KVE Composites Group BV, Daher Nuclear Technologies GmbH, Daher Aerospace Ltd., Aeroforme SA, and more.

Competitors

Daher’s competitors in the field of aviation and airframe production include Piper Aircraft, Aernova, Airbus Helicopters, Honda Aircraft Company, FIGEAC Aero, Cirrus Aircraft Corporation, and others.