Daher Tbm 940 vs Epic Aircraft E1000 vs Piper M500
All three are high-performance, single‑engine turboprop personal aircraft in the pressurized, owner‑flown or single‑pilot category, but they emphasize different strengths. The Daher TBM 940 is typically positioned as the fastest and most time‑efficient of the group, with a range generally in the roughly 1,300–1,700 nautical mile class depending on power settings and reserves. It is usually configured for about four to six passengers plus the pilot, with a premium on speed and short trip productivity. The Epic E1000 is also a pressurized, single‑engine turboprop, commonly offering a similar or slightly higher top‑end performance feel, with range often cited in the mid‑1,000‑nautical‑mile bracket (about 1,500 nm class, mission dependent). Cabin capacity is typically around four to six passengers plus the pilot, with a reputation for a roomy, high‑end interior. The Piper M500 is generally the more conservative, value‑oriented entry in this class, with range commonly around the 1,000–1,300 nautical mile class and seating typically up to five passengers plus the pilot, favoring lower operating complexity and cost over maximum speed.
| Spec | Daher TBM 940 | Epic Aircraft E1000 | Piper M500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | — | $ 3.11 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Epic Aircraft | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 940 | E1000 | M500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | in Development | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 1650 | 1000 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | — | $ 0.78 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | 2900 | 1698 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | — | $ 579 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G1000 NXi |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 325 | 260 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $ 3,450,000 | $2,122,600 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Galley Location | MID | MID | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | 6.7 | 5.5 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Refreshment Centre | Refreshment Centre | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | 18000 | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 8244 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | No | No |
| Model | PT6A-66D | PT6A-67A | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 3500 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 1200 | 500 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 35 | ISA + 55 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 291 | — | 170 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 35.9 | 29.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | 43 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | 4.6 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | 5 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | 10.5 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.3 | 12.5 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | — | 165 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 30 | — | 20 |