Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Piper M600 Sls
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a rugged single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft, typically used for short‑to‑medium regional hops, with roughly 900–1,200 nm range depending on load and fit, and commonly configured for about 9 passengers (with higher-density commuter layouts possible). The Piper M600 SLS is a pressurized single‑engine turboprop aimed at owner‑pilots, offering about 1,400 nm range and seating generally around 5–6 passengers in a luxury cabin. The Daher TBM 960 is a higher‑performance single‑engine turboprop in the fast personal/owner‑flown segment, usually seating about 4–6 passengers, with a typical range around 1,700–1,900 nm. The Dassault Falcon 8X is a long‑range tri‑jet business aircraft in a different class entirely, commonly configured for roughly 12–16 passengers (with maximum layouts higher), and capable of intercontinental missions around 6,450 nm. Overall, the Caravan prioritizes payload and versatility, the M600 and TBM prioritize speed and comfort for smaller groups, and the Falcon 8X prioritizes range and cabin size for large, long‑haul travel.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | Dassault Falcon 8X | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 7.66 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 17 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Dassault Falcon | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | 8X | M600 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 6450 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.64 | $ 0.55 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | 36900 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 14 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 3,805 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus EASy II | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 516 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $ 62,500,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 16 | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | 2 Enclosed Flushing | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 17 | 5 |
| Galley Location | MID | FWD | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | 10.2 | 5.6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 14 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | 29200 | 12600 |
| Crew Rest | — | No | — |
| Jump Seat | — | Yes | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 16 | — |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD / AFT | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Galley | Refreshment Centre |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 3900 | 8644 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | TBM 960 | PW307D | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | On-Condition | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 850 | — | 600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 17 | ISA + 55 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 6722 | — |
| No. of Engines | — | 3 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 260 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 80.2 | 29.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | 86.3 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | 7.7 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | 6.2 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | 42.7 | 12.3 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | 1695 | 165 |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 26.1 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 6.3 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 29.2 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 140 | 20 |