Cessna Grand Caravan Ex vs Daher Tbm 940 vs Piper M600
The Cessna Grand Caravan EX is a rugged utility turboprop aimed at short- to medium-range hauling and frequent operations from shorter or unimproved strips. It typically carries the most people of the three, commonly seating around 9 to 14 depending on configuration, but it trades speed and overall range for payload flexibility and cabin volume. The Daher TBM 940 is a high-performance, pressurized single-engine turboprop optimized for fast personal and business travel. It generally offers the longest range in this group (roughly in the 1,500+ nautical mile class with reserves, depending on conditions) and seats about 4 to 6 passengers in a premium cabin, emphasizing speed, altitude, and efficiency over maximum seats. The Piper M600 SLS sits between them as a pressurized personal turboprop with strong cross-country capability but less emphasis on maximum speed than the TBM. Range is typically around the 1,400 nautical mile class depending on payload and conditions, and seating is usually about 4 to 6, with a more spacious feel than many light turboprops.
| Spec | Cessna Grand Caravan EX | Daher TBM 940 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.15 | $ 2.25 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Daher TBM |
| Aircraft Name | Grand Caravan EX | TBM 940 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 964 | 1730 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.39 | $ 0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3332 | 2908 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 614 | $ 744 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 195 | 330 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,695,000 | $4,450,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | 6.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 |
| Galley Location | — | MID |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 14390 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-140 | PT6A-66D |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 867 | 850 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 24 | ISA + 49 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 335 | 291 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 41.6 | 35.3 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 42.1 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | 4 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 16.8 | 13.4 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.1 | 14.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | 30 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 123 |