Beechcraft Kingair Denali vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Piper M500 vs Piper M600 Sls
The Beechcraft Denali, Daher TBM 960, Piper M500, and Piper M600 SLS all sit in the single‑engine turboprop category (with the Denali positioned as a newer, higher‑power entrant), aimed at owner‑operators and business travel. In range, the TBM 960 is generally the longest‑leg option, optimized for high cruise speeds and long nonstop trips. The Denali is expected to be competitive in the long‑range class as well, though its real‑world standing depends on final certified performance and typical mission loading. The Piper M600 SLS offers solid cross‑country capability but usually falls short of the TBM’s maximum legs, while the M500 is typically the shortest‑range of the group and best suited to regional missions. On passenger capacity, all are commonly flown with a pilot plus several passengers, but cabin sizing and typical layouts differ. The Denali is designed around a larger, more accommodating cabin for this class, while the TBM 960 emphasizes speed and efficiency with seating that is comfortable but more compact. The M600 SLS and M500 generally carry fewer passengers in practical comfort than the Denali, with the M600 offering more capability and space than the M500.
| Spec | Beechcraft KingAir Denali | Daher TBM 960 | Piper M500 | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.08 | $ 2.25 | $ 3.11 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | GE® Aerospace | Daher TBM | Piper | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | KingAir Denali | TBM 960 | M500 | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1600 | 1730 | 1000 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.68 | $ 0.56 | $ 0.78 | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — | — | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3280 | 2908 | 1698 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,111 | $ 744 | $ 579 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 285 | 330 | 260 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,150,000 | $4,450,000 | $2,122,600 | $3,081,400 |
| Aircraft Type | — | Turbo Prop | — | — |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Flushing | No | No | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — | — | — |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | — | — | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 5 | 6.2 | 5.5 | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | — | Refreshment Centre | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 11065 | 14390 | 12600 | 12600 |
| Galley Location | — | MID | MID | MID |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 8244 | 8644 |
| Engine | ||||
| Model | Catalyst™ | TBM 960 | PT6A-42A | PT6A-42A |
| No. of Engines | 1 | — | 1 | 1 |
| FADEC | — | Yes | No | No |
| TBO (hrs) | — | 3500 | 3600 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | — | 850 | 500 | 600 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 49 | ISA + 55 | ISA + 55 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 170 | 260 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 14.86 | 35.3 | 29.6 | 29.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 54.3 | 42.1 | 43.2 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.5 | 4 | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.1 | 4 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.6 | 13.4 | 12.3 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 4.65 | — | 11.3 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.1 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.6 | — | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 48 | — | 20 | 20 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 123 | 165 | 165 |