Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Enstrom 480b
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a utility turboprop designed for short- to medium-range hauling and flexibility, typically offering roughly 900–1,200 nautical miles of range depending on load and conditions, with seating commonly arranged for about 9–14 passengers (often operated around nine for commercial passenger service). The Daher TBM 960 is a high-performance, pressurized single‑engine turboprop aimed at fast personal or executive travel rather than hauling; it generally delivers about 1,400–1,700 nautical miles of range and usually seats around 4–6 passengers in a comfortable cabin. The Enstrom 480B is a piston-powered helicopter focused on short-range rotorcraft missions such as training, patrol, or utility work; its typical range is on the order of about 300–400 nautical miles, and it normally carries a pilot plus up to four passengers (about five seats total). Overall, the Caravan prioritizes payload and cabin capacity, the TBM 960 prioritizes speed and efficient longer-range point-to-point travel for small groups, and the 480B prioritizes vertical lift capability with the shortest range and smallest passenger capacity of the three.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 |
|---|---|
| Summary | |
| Cockpit | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 |
| Min Crew | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop |
| Certification | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 |
| Cabin | |
| Cockpit | 2 |
| Lavatory | No |
| Min Crew | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 |
| Galley Location | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 |
| Engine | |
| FADEC | Yes |
| Model | TBM 960 |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 850 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 |
| Dimensions | |
| Length (ft) | 35.3 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 |