Beechcraft King Air 260 vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx
The Beechcraft King Air 260, Daher TBM 960, and Pilatus PC-12 NGX are all single-turboprop business aircraft, but they target different mission profiles. In category, the King Air 260 and PC-12 NGX are commonly positioned as more “utility/cabin-class” turboprops, emphasizing roomy cabins and operational flexibility, while the TBM 960 is typically viewed as a high-performance, owner-flown turboprop optimized for speed and efficient point-to-point travel. On range, the TBM 960 generally leads among the three in typical long-range cruise planning, with the PC-12 NGX close behind depending on payload and reserves, and the King Air 260 often somewhat shorter-range in comparable real-world configurations. For passenger capacity, the PC-12 NGX usually offers the most usable cabin volume and seating flexibility for carrying more passengers in comfort (often up to around 8–10 seats depending on configuration). The King Air 260 is commonly configured for about 6–8 passengers. The TBM 960 typically seats fewer, often around 4–6 passengers, prioritizing speed and efficiency over maximum cabin capacity.
| Spec | Beechcraft King Air 260 | Daher TBM 960 | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.30 | $ 2.25 | $ 2.78 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 6 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Beechcraft | Daher TBM | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | KingAir 250 | TBM 960 | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1420 | 1730 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.72 | $ 0.56 | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | — | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3760 | 2908 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 4 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,333 | $ 744 | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 310 | 330 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,450,000 | $4,450,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Aircraft Type | — | Turbo Prop | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Flushing | No | Optional |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 6 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | — | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | — | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.5 | 6.2 | 5.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | — | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 4 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 15293 | 14390 | 13100 |
| Galley Location | — | MID | — |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-52 | TBM 960 | PT6E-67XP |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 3500 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 850 | 1200 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 37 | ISA + 49 | ISA + 35 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | — | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 544 | — | — |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | 402 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 43.8 | 35.3 | 47.25 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 57.9 | 42.1 | 53.33 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.5 | 4 | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.1 | 4.9 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 16.7 | 13.4 | 16.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.8 | — | 14 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.1 | — | 4.25 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.7 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 55 | — | 40 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 123 | — |