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.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | AW189 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.74 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 19 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 21 |
| Galley Location | MID | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 19 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 19 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | TBM 960 | CT7-2E1 |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 1983 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | — |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel |
| No. of Engines | — | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 57.8 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | 395 |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 48 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 85 |