Daher Tbm 960 vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Sikorsky S 92
The Daher TBM 960 is a single‑engine turboprop airplane aimed at owner‑operators, typically carrying about 4–6 passengers with a long‑leg range around 1,500–1,700 nautical miles. The Dassault Falcon 8X is a large, long‑range trijet business jet in a different class altogether, commonly seating 12–16 (up to about 19) and offering intercontinental range around 6,000+ nautical miles. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a light twin helicopter used for utility, law‑enforcement, and short corporate hops, usually carrying 5–7 passengers with a typical range on the order of roughly 300 nautical miles (varying widely by mission and reserves). The Sikorsky S‑92 is a medium/large twin helicopter used for offshore and VIP transport, generally carrying about 12–19 passengers with a typical range around 500–600 nautical miles. Overall, the TBM 960 trades jet speed and cabin size for efficiency and runway flexibility, the Falcon 8X dominates on speed and range, while the 902 and S‑92 prioritize vertical access, with the S‑92 offering far greater payload and cabin volume than the 902.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | Dassault Falcon 8X | Sikorsky S-92 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 7.66 | $ 19.79 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 17 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Dassault Falcon | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | 8X | S-92 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 6450 | 439 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.64 | $ 0.94 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | 36900 | 7417 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 14 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 3,805 | $ 3,068 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus EASy II | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 516 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $ 62,500,000 | $30,650,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 16 | 19 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | 2 Enclosed Flushing | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 17 | 21 |
| Galley Location | MID | FWD | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | 10.2 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 14 | 19 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | 29200 | — |
| Crew Rest | — | No | — |
| Jump Seat | — | Yes | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 16 | 19 |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD / AFT | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Galley | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 3900 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | TBM 960 | PW307D | CT7-8A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | On-Condition | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | — | 2520 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 17 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 6722 | — |
| No. of Engines | — | 3 | 1 |
| Fuel Type | — | — | JetFuel |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 760 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 80.2 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | 86.3 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | 7.7 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | 6.2 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | 42.7 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | 1695 | 775 |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 26.1 | 17.8 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 6.3 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 29.2 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 140 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 140 |