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Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Robinson R66

The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft optimized for short, rugged missions; it typically offers roughly 900–1,200 nautical miles of range depending on payload 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 in the personal/corporate class; it trades cabin volume for speed and efficiency, generally carrying 4–6 passengers and flying about 1,400–1,700 nautical miles. The Leonardo AW189 is a super‑medium, twin‑engine helicopter aimed at offshore and SAR/EMS roles; it carries far more people than light helicopters, commonly 12–16 passengers, with typical mission ranges around 450–600 nautical miles depending on reserves and configuration. The Robinson R66 is a light, single‑engine turbine helicopter suited to short‑range transport and utility work; it generally seats 4 passengers plus a pilot and has an approximate range of 300–350 nautical miles. Overall, the TBM leads on range and speed, the Caravan on payload flexibility, the AW189 on passenger capacity among these, and the R66 on simplicity and lower operating scale.

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