Daher Tbm 960 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Piper M600 Sls
The Daher TBM 960 and Piper M600 SLS are high-performance single‑engine turboprops in the personal/business aircraft category, typically seating a pilot plus about five passengers, with ranges generally around 1,300–1,700 nautical miles depending on load and reserves; the TBM 960 is usually the faster, longer‑leg option, while the M600 SLS emphasizes simpler operation and modern avionics. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light business jet designed for charter and corporate missions, commonly configured for about six to eight passengers (more in high‑density layouts) and offering roughly 2,000 nautical miles of range, along with higher cruise speeds and a larger cabin than either single‑engine turboprop. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a light twin‑engine helicopter, typically carrying one or two pilots plus about five to seven passengers, with a much shorter range (often roughly 300–400 nautical miles) but the unique advantage of vertical takeoff/landing and point‑to‑point access where runways aren’t available.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | Pilatus PC-24 | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 3.71 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Pilatus | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | PC-24 | M600 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 2076 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.62 | $ 0.55 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | 6680 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 1,619 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 440 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $11,800,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 10 | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | 1 Enclosed Flushing | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Galley Location | MID | FWD | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | 9.3 | 5.6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | 23500 | 12600 |
| Crew Rest | — | No | — |
| Jump Seat | — | No | — |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 10 | — |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Optional Refreshment Center | Refreshment Centre |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 8644 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | TBM 960 | FJ44-4A-QPM | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 850 | — | 600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 23 | ISA + 55 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 3435 | — |
| No. of Engines | — | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 260 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 52.2 | 29.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | 55.8 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | 5.6 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | 5.1 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | 23 | 12.3 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | — | 165 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 17.4 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.8 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 17 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 90 | 20 |