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Daher Tbm 960 vs Enstrom 480b vs Leonardo Aw189

The Daher TBM 960 is a single‑engine turboprop airplane optimized for fast, efficient point‑to‑point travel. It typically offers the longest practical range of the three and is best suited to carrying a small group, generally up to about five to six passengers in addition to the pilot, depending on configuration and payload. The Enstrom 480B is a single‑engine piston helicopter focused on utility, training, and short‑range missions with vertical lift capability. Its range is markedly shorter than the TBM 960 and far below the AW189, and passenger capacity is smaller, commonly around four passengers plus a pilot. The Agusta/Leonardo AW189 is a large, twin‑engine medium helicopter designed for offshore transport, SAR, and high‑end utility operations. It trades cruise speed and range efficiency versus the TBM for true VTOL capability, but it generally provides substantially greater passenger capacity, often in the mid‑teens in typical transport layouts, and a longer range than light helicopters like the 480B.

SpecDaher TBM 960AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 2.25$ 15.57
Min Crew11
Total Seats621
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerDaher TBMLeonardo
Aircraft NameTBM 960AW189
Aircraft TypeTurbo Prop—
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)1730651
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.56$ 0.74
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)2908—
Standard Cabin Seats419
Direct Operating Cost$ 744$ 2,413
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G3000EFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)330155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$4,450,000$2,413,000
Max Cabin Seats—19
Cabin
Cockpit22
LavatoryNo—
Min Crew11
Total Seats621
Galley LocationMID—
Cabin Pressure (psi)6.2—
Standard Cabin Seats419
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)14390—
Max Cabin Seats—19
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelTBM 960CT7-2E1
TBO (hrs)35004000
Horsepower8501983
Flat RatingISA + 49—
Fuel Type—JetFuel
No. of Engines—2
Dimensions
Length (ft)35.357.8
Wingspan (ft)42.1—
Cabin Width (ft)4—
Cabin Height (ft)4.1—
Cabin Length (ft)13.4—
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)123395
Overall Height (ft)—16.6
Rotor Diameter (ft)—48
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)—85