Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Enstrom 480b
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a rugged single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft, typically used for regional transport and special missions. It offers moderate range (about 900–1,200 nautical miles, depending on load) and commonly carries 9–14 passengers in commuter-style configurations. The Daher TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop business aircraft, optimized for speed and efficiency, with a longer range than the Caravan (roughly 1,400–1,700 nautical miles) and a smaller cabin, usually seating 4–6 passengers plus a pilot. The Dassault Falcon 8X is a long‑range, large‑cabin tri‑jet business aircraft designed for intercontinental travel, with far greater range (around 6,000+ nautical miles) and typical seating for about 8–14 passengers in executive layouts. The Enstrom 480B is a single‑engine piston helicopter aimed at utility and training roles; compared with the fixed‑wing aircraft it has short range (often a few hundred nautical miles) and low capacity, typically 4–5 occupants including the pilot.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | Dassault Falcon 8X |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 7.66 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Dassault Falcon |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | 8X |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 6450 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.64 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | 36900 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 14 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 3,805 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus EASy II |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 516 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $ 62,500,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 16 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 |
| Lavatory | No | 2 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 17 |
| Galley Location | MID | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | 10.2 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 14 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | 29200 |
| Crew Rest | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | Yes |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 16 |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD / AFT |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Galley |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 3900 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | TBM 960 | PW307D |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | On-Condition |
| Horsepower | 850 | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 6722 |
| No. of Engines | — | 3 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 80.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | 86.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | 7.7 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | 6.2 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | 42.7 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | 1695 |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 26.1 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 6.3 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 29.2 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 140 |