Daher Tbm 960 vs Piper M600 Sls vs Robinson R66
The Daher TBM 960 and Piper M600 SLS are pressurized, single‑engine turboprop airplanes aimed at fast, efficient personal or business travel, while the Robinson R66 is a light single‑engine turbine helicopter optimized for vertical access and short‑range utility. In range, the TBM 960 typically leads among these three, offering the longest legs for point‑to‑point cross‑country flying; the M600 SLS is also a capable cross‑country platform but generally trails the TBM in maximum range. The R66’s practical range is much shorter than either turboprop airplane, reflecting helicopter fuel capacity, speed, and mission profile. For passenger capacity, the TBM 960 and M600 SLS are commonly configured for a pilot plus up to five passengers (six seats total), making them broadly similar in cabin count. The R66 usually carries a pilot plus up to four passengers (five seats total), though its key advantage is access to helipads, confined areas, and sites without runways.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | M600 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.55 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 |
| Galley Location | MID | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | 5.6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | 12600 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Refreshment Centre |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 8644 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | TBM 960 | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 55 |
| No. of Engines | — | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 260 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 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 | 165 |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 11.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 20 |