AIR.ONE

Daher Tbm 960 vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer

The Daher TBM 960 is a high-performance single‑engine turboprop airplane aimed at owner-operators and short business trips. It typically carries about 4–6 passengers (up to 6 in the cabin depending on configuration) and offers roughly 1,700–1,800 nautical miles of range, making it efficient for regional point‑to‑point travel. The Dassault Falcon 8X is a long‑range, large‑cabin tri‑jet business aircraft designed for intercontinental missions. It commonly seats around 12–16 passengers (with higher-density layouts possible) and can fly about 6,400 nautical miles, prioritizing comfort, baggage volume, and nonstop global reach. The Leonardo AW189 is a super‑medium twin‑engine helicopter used for offshore, SAR, and VIP/utility roles. Passenger seating is typically in the mid‑teens (often around 16–19 depending on interior), with range on the order of 450–500 nautical miles. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a light twin helicopter suited to EMS, law enforcement, and corporate shuttle. It usually carries about 6–8 passengers and has a shorter range, roughly 300–350 nautical miles.

SpecDaher TBM 960Dassault Falcon 8XAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 2.25$ 7.66$ 15.57
Min Crew121
Total Seats61721
Flight RulesIFR—IFR
ManufacturerDaher TBMDassault FalconLeonardo
Aircraft NameTBM 9608XAW189
Aircraft TypeTurbo Prop——
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)17306450651
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.56$ 0.64$ 0.74
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)290836900—
Standard Cabin Seats41419
Direct Operating Cost$ 744$ 3,805$ 2,413
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G3000Honeywell Primus EASy IIEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)330516155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$4,450,000$ 62,500,000$2,413,000
Max Cabin Seats—1619
Cabin
Cockpit232
LavatoryNo2 Enclosed Flushing—
Min Crew121
Total Seats61721
Galley LocationMIDFWD—
Cabin Pressure (psi)6.210.2—
Standard Cabin Seats41419
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)1439029200—
Crew Rest—No—
Jump Seat—Yes—
Max Cabin Seats—1619
Lavatory Location—FWD / AFT—
Galley / Refreshment—Galley—
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)—3900—
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelTBM 960PW307DCT7-2E1
TBO (hrs)3500On-Condition4000
Horsepower850—1983
Flat RatingISA + 49ISA + 17—
Thrust (lbs)—6722—
No. of Engines—32
Fuel Type——JetFuel
Dimensions
Length (ft)35.380.257.8
Wingspan (ft)42.186.3—
Cabin Width (ft)47.7—
Cabin Height (ft)4.16.2—
Cabin Length (ft)13.442.7—
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)1231695395
Overall Height (ft)—26.116.6
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)—6.3—
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)—29.2—
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)—140—
Rotor Diameter (ft)——48
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)——85