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Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Enstrom 480b vs Leonardo Aw189

The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft optimized for short, rugged operations. It typically carries 9–14 passengers depending on configuration and offers a moderate range around 900–1,200 nm, trading speed for payload flexibility. The Daher TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop aimed at fast personal and business travel; it generally seats 4–6 passengers in comfort (up to about 7–8 with dense seating) and has a longer range roughly 1,400–1,700 nm, prioritizing speed and efficiency over cabin volume. The Enstrom 480B is a light single‑engine piston helicopter, usually accommodating 4–5 people with a comparatively short range around 300–400 nm, best suited to local missions and training/light utility. The Agusta/Leonardo AW189 is a large twin‑engine medium helicopter designed for offshore, SAR, and transport; it commonly seats about 16–19 passengers and provides a helicopter‑typical medium range on the order of 450–600 nm, emphasizing payload, redundancy, and all‑weather capability.

SpecDaher TBM 960AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 2.25$ 15.57
Min Crew11
Total Seats621
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerDaher TBMLeonardo
Aircraft NameTBM 960AW189
Aircraft TypeTurbo Prop
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)1730651
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.56$ 0.74
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)2908
Standard Cabin Seats419
Direct Operating Cost$ 744$ 2,413
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G3000EFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)330155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$4,450,000$2,413,000
Max Cabin Seats19
Cabin
Cockpit22
LavatoryNo
Min Crew11
Total Seats621
Galley LocationMID
Cabin Pressure (psi)6.2
Standard Cabin Seats419
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)14390
Max Cabin Seats19
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelTBM 960CT7-2E1
TBO (hrs)35004000
Horsepower8501983
Flat RatingISA + 49
Fuel TypeJetFuel
No. of Engines2
Dimensions
Length (ft)35.357.8
Wingspan (ft)42.1
Cabin Width (ft)4
Cabin Height (ft)4.1
Cabin Length (ft)13.4
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)123395
Overall Height (ft)16.6
Rotor Diameter (ft)48
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)85