Daher Tbm 940 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Piper M500
The Daher TBM 940, Pilatus PC-12 NGX, and Piper M500 are all single‑engine turboprops, but they target different missions. The TBM 940 is best viewed as a high‑performance, pressurized personal or owner‑pilot cross‑country aircraft, optimized for speed and efficient point‑to‑point travel. The PC‑12 NGX is a larger utility‑oriented single‑engine turboprop, often used for executive, charter, and special‑mission roles where cabin volume, payload flexibility, and runway versatility matter more than outright speed. The M500 (Meridian) is a lighter, more entry‑level pressurized turboprop aimed at personal and business travel with lower operating complexity and cost. For range, the TBM 940 and PC‑12 NGX are generally long‑range performers in this class, with the PC‑12 typically offering the greatest real‑world flexibility due to fuel, payload, and cabin tradeoffs; the M500 usually has a shorter range than both. For passenger capacity, the PC‑12 NGX commonly carries the most people in comfort, the TBM 940 typically seats fewer, and the M500 generally seats the fewest, reflecting its smaller cabin.
| Spec | Daher TBM 940 | Pilatus PC-12 NGX | Piper M500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 2.78 | $ 3.11 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Pilatus | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 940 | PC-12 NGX | M500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 1803 | 1000 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.46 | $ 0.78 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | — | 1698 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 793 | $ 579 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus Apex | Garmin G1000 NXi |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 290 | 260 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $5,350,000 | $2,122,600 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 9 | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | Optional | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 5 |
| Galley Location | MID | — | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | 5.8 | 5.5 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Refreshment Centre | No | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | 13100 | 12600 |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 9 | — |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 8244 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | PT6A-66D | PT6E-67XP | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 1200 | 500 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 35 | ISA + 55 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 291 | — | 170 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | 402 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 47.25 | 29.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | 53.33 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | 5 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | 4.9 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | 16.9 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.3 | 14 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | — | 165 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 30 | 40 | 20 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 4.25 | — |