Cessna Caravan vs Daher Kodiak 100 Series Iii vs Daher Tbm 960
The Cessna Caravan and Daher Kodiak 100 Series III are rugged single‑engine turboprops aimed at utility and short/rough‑field work, while the Daher TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop optimized for fast, pressurized business travel. In range terms, the Caravan typically offers roughly 900–1,200 nautical miles depending on model, payload, and reserves, making it solid for regional hauling. The Kodiak 100 Series III is broadly similar, commonly around 1,000–1,300 nautical miles, and is often chosen where short takeoff and landing capability and backcountry access matter. The TBM 960 generally stretches farther, commonly about 1,400–1,700 nautical miles, reflecting its mission of longer, faster point‑to‑point trips. For passenger capacity, both the Caravan and Kodiak are usually configured around 9 passengers (with various cargo/combination layouts), prioritizing cabin volume and load flexibility. The TBM 960 is typically arranged for about 4–6 passengers in a more compact, premium cabin focused on comfort rather than maximum seats.
| Spec | Cessna Caravan | Daher TBM 960 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.07 | $ 2.25 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Daher TBM |
| Aircraft Name | Caravan | TBM 960 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1070 | 1730 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.38 | $ 0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3305 | 2908 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 571 | $ 744 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 186 | 330 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,355,000 | $4,450,000 |
| Aircraft Type | — | Turbo Prop |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | 6.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 |
| Galley Location | — | MID |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 14390 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-114A | TBM 960 |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 675 | 850 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 31 | ISA + 49 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 37.6 | 35.3 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 42.1 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | 4 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.8 | 13.4 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 123 |