Daher Tbm 960 vs Enstrom 480b vs Sikorsky S 92
The Daher TBM 960 is a single‑engine turboprop fixed‑wing aircraft optimized for fast, efficient point‑to‑point travel. It typically offers the longest range of the three (roughly 1,000–1,700 nautical miles depending on payload and reserves) and usually carries about 4–6 passengers plus a pilot, prioritizing speed and economy over cabin volume. The Enstrom 480B is a light single‑engine piston helicopter intended for short‑range utility, training, and local transport. Its range is much shorter (on the order of 200–350 nautical miles), and passenger capacity is generally around 3–4 passengers plus a pilot, with a smaller cabin and lower cruise speed than the TBM. The Sikorsky S‑92 is a large twin‑engine helicopter built for offshore transport, search and rescue, and high‑capacity commercial missions. It generally carries far more people (often 12–19 passengers depending on configuration) with a medium range (roughly 400–600 nautical miles), trading fixed‑wing efficiency for vertical lift, payload, and mission flexibility.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | Sikorsky S-92 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 19.79 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | S-92 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 439 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.94 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | 7417 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 3,068 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $30,650,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 19 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 21 |
| Galley Location | MID | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 19 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 19 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | TBM 960 | CT7-8A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 2520 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | — |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel |
| No. of Engines | — | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 760 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | 775 |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 17.8 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 140 |