Beechcraft King Air 260 vs Beechcraft King Air 360 vs Beechcraft King Air 360er vs Daher Tbm 960
The Beechcraft King Air 260 and 360 family are twin‑engine turboprops typically positioned as pressurized business/utility aircraft, while the Daher TBM 960 is a single‑engine turboprop optimized for fast owner‑pilot and executive travel. In range, the King Air 260 is generally suited to shorter to mid-length missions, the King Air 360 extends that capability with modestly longer legs, and the King Air 360ER is the long-range variant intended for the longest nonstop trips in the lineup. The TBM 960 usually offers long-range capability for a single‑engine turboprop and is competitive on trip length, but its mission profile emphasizes speed and efficiency with fewer passengers than the King Airs. For passenger capacity, King Airs are typically configured for more people: the 260 commonly seats up to about nine, the 360 is similar depending on interior layout, and the 360ER often trades some cabin or payload flexibility to prioritize fuel and range while still remaining in the same general seating class. The TBM 960 is typically arranged for about six passengers plus a pilot.
| Spec | Beechcraft King Air 260 | Beechcraft King Air 360 | Beechcraft King Air 360ER | Daher TBM 960 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.30 | $ 4.20 | $ 4.37 | $ 2.25 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Beechcraft | Beechcraft | Beechcraft | Daher TBM |
| Aircraft Name | KingAir 250 | KingAir 350i | KingAir 350ER | TBM 960 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1420 | 1560 | 2338 | 1730 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.72 | $ 0.53 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 9 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3760 | 5145 | 6585 | 2908 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 8 | 8 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,333 | $ 1,311 | $ 1,324 | $ 744 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 310 | 312 | 303 | 330 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,450,000 | $7,650,000 | $8,750,000 | $4,450,000 |
| Aircraft Type | — | — | — | Turbo Prop |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Flushing | Optional | Yes (Belted Optional) | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 9 | — |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | Optional | Refreshment Center | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 8 | 8 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 15293 | — | — | 14390 |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | FWD | MID |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Optional | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-52 | PT6A-60A | PT6A-60A | TBM 960 |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 3600 | 3600 | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 1050 | 1050 | 850 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 37 | ISA + 10 | ISA + 10 | ISA + 49 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 544 | 539 | 775 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 43.8 | 46.7 | 46.7 | 35.3 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 57.9 | 57.9 | 57.9 | 42.1 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 16.7 | 19.5 | 19.5 | 13.4 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.8 | 14.4 | 14.4 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.1 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.7 | 19.5 | 19.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 55 | 71 | 71 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | — | 123 |