Beechcraft King Air 260 vs Beechcraft Kingair Denali vs Daher Tbm 960
The Beechcraft King Air 260 is a pressurized, twin‑engine turboprop in the light business/utility category, typically configured for about six to nine passengers depending on layout, and optimized for short‑ to mid‑range missions (roughly around the 1,500‑nautical‑mile class). The Beechcraft King Air Denali is a newer, clean‑sheet, single‑engine turboprop aimed at the upscale business turboprop segment; it is generally expected to carry around five to eight passengers in a premium cabin configuration and target longer range than many light twins (often cited in the ~1,600‑nautical‑mile class, depending on final specs and reserves). The Daher TBM 960 is a high‑performance, single‑engine turboprop focused on fast owner‑pilot and executive travel; it typically seats about four to six passengers (plus pilot) and offers long range for its class, commonly around the 1,700‑nautical‑mile class. In short, the King Air 260 emphasizes twin‑engine redundancy and flexibility, while Denali and TBM 960 prioritize single‑engine efficiency and longer legs, with the TBM leaning most toward speed and a smaller cabin.
| Spec | Beechcraft King Air 260 | Beechcraft KingAir Denali | Daher TBM 960 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.30 | $ 4.08 | $ 2.25 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 11 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Beechcraft | GE® Aerospace | Daher TBM |
| Aircraft Name | KingAir 250 | KingAir Denali | TBM 960 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1420 | 1600 | 1730 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.72 | $ 0.68 | $ 0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3760 | 3280 | 2908 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 7 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,333 | $ 1,111 | $ 744 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 310 | 285 | 330 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,450,000 | $4,150,000 | $4,450,000 |
| Aircraft Type | — | — | Turbo Prop |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Flushing | 1 Flushing | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 11 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | — |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.5 | 5 | 6.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 7 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 15293 | 11065 | 14390 |
| Galley Location | — | — | MID |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | — | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-52 | Catalyst™ | TBM 960 |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | — | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 850 | — | 850 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 37 | — | ISA + 49 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 544 | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 43.8 | 14.86 | 35.3 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 57.9 | 54.3 | 42.1 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 16.7 | 12.6 | 13.4 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.8 | 4.65 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.1 | 4.1 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.7 | 12.6 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 55 | 48 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 123 |