Daher Tbm 960 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Sikorsky S 92
The Daher TBM 960 is a single‑engine pressurized turboprop airplane (not a helicopter), optimized for fast point‑to‑point travel. It offers long range for its class (roughly 1,000+ nautical miles depending on reserves and payload) and typically carries one pilot plus up to five passengers in a high‑end cabin. The Leonardo AW189 is a super‑medium twin‑engine helicopter built for offshore, SAR, and utility missions. Its range is generally in the 450–500+ nautical mile class with typical mission reserves, and it commonly seats around 16 passengers in a transport layout (more in high‑density configurations). The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a light twin helicopter aimed at EMS, law enforcement, and corporate use. It has shorter range (roughly 250–350 nautical miles) and usually carries one or two pilots with about six to eight passengers depending on interior. The Sikorsky S‑92 is a heavy twin helicopter focused on offshore and high‑capacity transport. It typically offers about 500+ nautical miles of range and commonly seats around 19 passengers (or more depending on configuration).
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Sikorsky S-92 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 15.57 | $ 19.79 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 21 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Leonardo | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | AW189 | S-92 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 651 | 439 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.94 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | — | 7417 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 19 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 2,413 | $ 3,068 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 155 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $2,413,000 | $30,650,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 19 | 19 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | — | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 21 | 21 |
| Galley Location | MID | — | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 19 | 19 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 19 | 19 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | TBM 960 | CT7-2E1 | CT7-8A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 1983 | 2520 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | — | — |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| No. of Engines | — | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 760 |
| 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 | 775 |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 16.6 | 17.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 48 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 85 | 140 |