Daher Tbm 960 vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Piper M500
The Daher TBM 960 and Piper M500 are pressurized single‑engine turboprops, while the Embraer Phenom 300E is a twin‑engine light jet, so it typically delivers higher cruise speeds and jet comfort but with higher operating complexity and cost. In range, the TBM 960 generally leads the group among these three with roughly around 1,700 nautical miles class capability, the Phenom 300E is also long‑legged for a light jet at roughly around 2,000 nautical miles class in typical profiles, and the M500 is shorter‑range at roughly around 1,000 nautical miles class depending on reserves, payload, and conditions. For passenger capacity, the TBM 960 is usually configured for up to about six passengers in addition to the pilot, the Phenom 300E commonly seats about six to eight (often flown with one pilot), and the M500 is typically arranged for about five passengers plus the pilot. Overall, the TBM 960 emphasizes fast turboprop efficiency and flexibility, the Phenom 300E prioritizes jet performance and cabin experience, and the M500 targets simpler, lower‑cost personal turboprop ownership.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | Embraer Phenom 300E | Piper M500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 3.88 | $ 3.11 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 10 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Embraer | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | Phenom 300E | M500 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 2,010 | 1000 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.78 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | 6914 | 1698 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 1,758 | $ 579 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Garmin G1000 NXi |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 464 | 260 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $9,650,000 | $2,122,600 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 10 | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | 1 Enclosed Flushing | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 9 | 5 |
| Galley Location | MID | FWD | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | 9.4 | 5.5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | 25560 | 12600 |
| Crew Rest | — | No | — |
| Jump Seat | — | No | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 9 | — |
| Lavatory Location | — | AFT | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Galley | Refreshment Centre |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 8244 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | TBM 960 | Canada PW535E1 | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 850 | — | 500 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 55 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 3360 | — |
| No. of Engines | — | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 757 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 170 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 51.2 | 29.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | 52.16 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | 5.1 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | 4.9 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | 17.2 | 12.3 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | — | 165 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | 0.3 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 16.75 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.6 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 14.8 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 74 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 10 | 20 |