Daher Tbm 960 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Robinson R66
The Daher TBM 960 is a single‑engine turboprop airplane, optimized for fast point‑to‑point travel. It typically offers the longest range of the four—roughly on the order of 1,500+ nautical miles—while carrying about 4 to 6 passengers in a pressurized cabin (plus pilot), making it best suited to longer intercity missions. The Leonardo AW189 is a super‑medium twin‑engine helicopter designed for offshore, SAR, and utility transport. It trades speed and range for vertical access, with a typical range around the mid‑400 nm class (higher with auxiliary tanks) and a much larger cabin, commonly seating around 12 to 16 passengers depending on configuration. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a light twin helicopter, generally shorter‑ranged than the AW189 (often a few hundred nautical miles) and usually configured for about 6 to 8 passengers, favoring patrol, EMS, and corporate shuttle roles. The Robinson R66 is a light single‑engine turbine helicopter with the smallest capacity, typically 4 passengers plus pilot, and a range commonly around 300 nm, aimed at cost‑effective short regional trips and utility work.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | AW189 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.74 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 19 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| 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 | CT7-2E1 |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 1983 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | — |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel |
| No. of Engines | — | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 57.8 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | 395 |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 48 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 85 |