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Daher Tbm 960 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piper M600 Sls

The Daher TBM 960 and Piper M600 SLS are single‑engine turboprop airplanes aimed at fast, efficient point‑to‑point travel, while the Leonardo (Agusta) AW189 and MD Helicopters 902 Explorer are helicopters optimized for vertical access and utility missions. In range, the TBM 960 generally leads this group with roughly 1,400–1,700 nautical miles depending on reserves and power settings, while the M600 SLS is typically in the ~1,200–1,500 nautical mile class. Helicopter range is usually shorter: the AW189 is commonly around ~450–500 nautical miles (with variations by tanks and payload), and the MD 902 Explorer is often around ~300–400 nautical miles. For passenger capacity, the AW189 is the largest, frequently configured for about 16–19 passengers in high‑density roles (or fewer in offshore/VIP layouts). The MD 902 typically carries about 6–7 passengers. The TBM 960 and M600 SLS are generally owner‑pilot aircraft seating about 5–6 passengers plus a pilot, with practical loads depending on fuel and baggage.

SpecDaher TBM 960AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189Piper M600 SLS
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 2.25$ 15.57$ 2.19
Min Crew111
Total Seats6216
Flight RulesIFRIFRIFR
ManufacturerDaher TBMLeonardoPiper
Aircraft NameTBM 960AW189M600
Aircraft TypeTurbo Prop
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)17306511406
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.56$ 0.74$ 0.55
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)29082200
Standard Cabin Seats4194
Direct Operating Cost$ 744$ 2,413$ 603
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G3000EFISGarmin G3000
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)330155274
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$4,450,000$2,413,000$3,081,400
Max Cabin Seats19
Cabin
Cockpit222
LavatoryNoNo
Min Crew111
Total Seats6215
Galley LocationMIDMID
Cabin Pressure (psi)6.25.6
Standard Cabin Seats4194
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)1439012600
Max Cabin Seats19
Galley / RefreshmentRefreshment Centre
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)8644
Engine
FADECYesYesNo
ModelTBM 960CT7-2E1PT6A-42A
TBO (hrs)350040003600
Horsepower8501983600
Flat RatingISA + 49ISA + 55
Fuel TypeJetFuel
No. of Engines21
Fuel Capacity (gal)260
Dimensions
Length (ft)35.357.829.7
Wingspan (ft)42.143.2
Cabin Width (ft)44.1
Cabin Height (ft)4.14
Cabin Length (ft)13.412.3
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)123395165
Overall Height (ft)16.611.3
Rotor Diameter (ft)48
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)85
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)20