Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Leonardo Aw189
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a rugged single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft, typically used for short to medium regional legs; it offers roughly 900–1,000 nautical miles of range depending on load and is commonly configured for about 9 passengers (up to around 14 in high‑density layouts). The Daher TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop aimed at fast personal or business travel, carrying about 4–6 passengers in comfort with a range around 1,500–1,700 nautical miles. The Dassault Falcon 8X is a long‑range tri‑jet business aircraft in a different class entirely, usually seating about 12–16 passengers with intercontinental range on the order of 6,400 nautical miles. The Agusta/Leonardo AW189 is a twin‑engine medium helicopter optimized for offshore and SAR/utility missions; it typically carries about 12–16 passengers with a range roughly 450–500 nautical miles (higher with auxiliary tanks). Overall, the Caravan prioritizes payload and simplicity, the TBM prioritizes speed and efficiency for small groups, the Falcon 8X prioritizes long‑range premium capacity, and the AW189 prioritizes vertical lift and access over distance.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | Dassault Falcon 8X | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 7.66 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 17 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Dassault Falcon | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | 8X | AW189 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 6450 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.64 | $ 0.74 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | 36900 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 14 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 3,805 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus EASy II | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 516 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $ 62,500,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 16 | 19 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | 2 Enclosed Flushing | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 17 | 21 |
| Galley Location | MID | FWD | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | 10.2 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 14 | 19 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | 29200 | — |
| Crew Rest | — | No | — |
| Jump Seat | — | Yes | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 16 | 19 |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD / AFT | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Galley | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 3900 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | TBM 960 | PW307D | CT7-2E1 |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | On-Condition | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | — | 1983 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 17 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 6722 | — |
| No. of Engines | — | 3 | 2 |
| Fuel Type | — | — | JetFuel |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 80.2 | 57.8 |
| 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 | 395 |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 26.1 | 16.6 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 6.3 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 29.2 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 140 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | — | 48 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 85 |