Daher Tbm 960 vs Enstrom 480b vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Daher TBM 960 is a single‑engine turboprop airplane aimed at fast owner‑pilot travel. It typically carries about 4 to 6 passengers (plus a pilot) and offers long-range capability on the order of roughly 1,500–1,700 nautical miles, depending on payload and conditions. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a twin‑engine light business jet designed for more cabin volume and higher payload; it commonly seats about 6 to 10 passengers and has a similar or somewhat longer range than the TBM, roughly around 1,800–2,000 nautical miles, with mission profile and fit-out driving the exact figure. The Enstrom 480B is a single‑engine turbine helicopter optimized for utility and short‑to‑medium hops; it typically seats 4 to 5 occupants total and has a much shorter range, generally a few hundred nautical miles. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine helicopter in the light/medium utility class, usually configured for about 6 to 8 occupants, with range also in the several‑hundred‑nautical‑mile bracket. Overall, the fixed‑wing aircraft prioritize range and speed, while the helicopters prioritize vertical access and flexibility.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | PC-24 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.62 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 10 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Galley Location | MID | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | 9.3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | 23500 |
| Crew Rest | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | No |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | TBM 960 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | — | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | 55.8 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | 23 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 90 |