Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Piaggio Avanti Evo
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a rugged single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft aimed at short-haul work; it typically offers roughly 900–1,200 nm of range and commonly carries about 9–14 passengers depending on interior and mission. The Daher TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop positioned as a fast personal/business traveler; it generally reaches about 1,500–1,700 nm and usually seats around 4–6 in comfort (up to about 6–7 depending on configuration). The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a twin‑turboprop business aircraft with jetlike cruise speeds for its class; it typically ranges about 1,500–1,800 nm and seats about 6–8. The Dassault Falcon 8X is a large‑cabin long‑range tri‑jet built for intercontinental missions; it commonly exceeds 6,000 nm of range and is configured for about 12–16 passengers (with higher-density layouts possible). Overall, the Caravan prioritizes payload and access, the TBM emphasizes owner‑pilot speed and efficiency, the Avanti targets premium turboprop travel for small groups, and the 8X serves long-range executive transport.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | Dassault Falcon 8X | Piaggio Avanti EVO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 7.66 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 17 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Dassault Falcon | Piaggio |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | 8X | Avanti EVO |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 6450 | 1530 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.64 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | 36900 | 3775 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 14 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 3,805 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus EASy II | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 516 | 400 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $ 62,500,000 | $ 7,695,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 16 | 7 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | 2 Enclosed Flushing | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 17 | 8 |
| Galley Location | MID | FWD | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | 10.2 | 9 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 14 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | 29200 | 24000 |
| Crew Rest | — | No | — |
| Jump Seat | — | Yes | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 16 | 7 |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD / AFT | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Galley | No |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 3900 | 6600 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | TBM 960 | PW307D | PT6A–66B |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | On-Condition | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 850 | — | 850 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 17 | ISA + 28 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 6722 | — |
| No. of Engines | — | 3 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 100 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 80.2 | 47.3 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | 86.3 | 47.1 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | 7.7 | 6.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | 6.2 | 5.8 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | 42.7 | 14.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | 1695 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 26.1 | 13.1 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 6.3 | 3.5 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 29.2 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 140 | 35.2 |