Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Piper M600 Sls vs Sikorsky S 92
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a rugged single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft, typically used for regional shuttle, cargo, and remote operations. It offers moderate range (roughly 900–1,200 nautical miles depending on load) and usually carries 9–14 occupants, commonly configured around 9 passengers. The Daher TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop business aircraft optimized for speed and owner‑pilot use. Its range is longer (about 1,400–1,700 nautical miles), but cabin capacity is smaller, generally 4–6 passengers plus pilot. The Piper M600 SLS is also a single‑engine turboprop personal/business aircraft, slightly less focused on maximum cruise speed than the TBM, with similar mission length. Expect about 1,200–1,500 nautical miles of range and typically 4–5 passengers plus pilot. The Sikorsky S‑92 is a twin‑engine medium helicopter designed for offshore transport, SAR, and VIP roles. Its range is shorter than the fixed‑wing turboprops (commonly around 500–600 nautical miles) but it can carry far more people, often 19 passengers (up to around 22 in some layouts).
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | Piper M600 SLS | Sikorsky S-92 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 2.19 | $ 19.79 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Piper | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | M600 | S-92 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 1406 | 439 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.94 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | 2200 | 7417 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 603 | $ 3,068 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G3000 | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 274 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $3,081,400 | $30,650,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | — | 19 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 21 |
| Galley Location | MID | MID | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | 5.6 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 19 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | 12600 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Refreshment Centre | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 8644 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | — | 19 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | No | Yes |
| Model | TBM 960 | PT6A-42A | CT7-8A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 3600 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 600 | 2520 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 55 | — |
| No. of Engines | — | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 260 | 760 |
| Fuel Type | — | — | JetFuel |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 29.7 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | 43.2 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | 4.1 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | 12.3 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | 165 | 775 |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 11.3 | 17.8 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 20 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 140 |