Cessna Grand Caravan Ex vs Daher Tbm 960
The Cessna Grand Caravan EX and Daher TBM 960 sit in different aircraft categories and are optimized for different missions. The Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft typically used for short-haul transport into smaller or unimproved airports, prioritizing payload flexibility and rugged operations. The TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop in the pressurized business aircraft category, designed for fast, efficient point‑to‑point travel. In range, the TBM 960 generally offers a longer nonstop reach and better high‑altitude cruise capability than the Grand Caravan EX, making it better suited to longer cross‑country trips. The Grand Caravan EX’s practical range is more oriented toward regional sectors, especially when carrying heavier loads. For passenger capacity, the Grand Caravan EX usually carries more people, commonly configured around 9 to 14 seats depending on interior and regulations, and it can be set up for mixed passenger/cargo roles. The TBM 960 typically seats about 4 to 6 passengers plus a pilot, emphasizing comfort and speed over maximum headcount.
| Spec | Cessna Grand Caravan EX | Daher TBM 960 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 960 |
| 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 |
| 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 | 12 | — |
| 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-140 | TBM 960 |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 867 | 850 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 24 | ISA + 49 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 335 | — |
| 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 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 123 |