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.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 15.57 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 21 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Leonardo | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | AW189 | M600 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 651 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.55 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | — | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 19 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 2,413 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | EFIS | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 155 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $2,413,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 19 | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | — | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 21 | 5 |
| Galley Location | MID | — | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | — | 5.6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 19 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | — | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 19 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Refreshment Centre |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 8644 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | TBM 960 | CT7-2E1 | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 1983 | 600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | — | ISA + 55 |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel | — |
| No. of Engines | — | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 260 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 57.8 | 29.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | — | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | — | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | — | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | — | 12.3 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | 395 | 165 |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 16.6 | 11.3 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 48 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 85 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 20 |