Daher Tbm 960 vs Sikorsky S 92
The Daher TBM 960 and the Sikorsky S-92 occupy very different categories. The TBM 960 is a single‑engine turboprop airplane designed for fast, efficient point‑to‑point travel using runways, typically flown by one pilot and optimized for owner‑operators or small business trips. The S-92 is a twin‑engine, medium-lift helicopter built for offshore transport, search and rescue, and utility missions, able to operate without runways and to access remote or confined landing areas. In range, the TBM 960 generally offers longer cruise range for cross‑country travel—on the order of roughly 1,000+ nautical miles depending on reserves and payload—because fixed‑wing aircraft are more fuel‑efficient in cruise. The S-92’s range is typically shorter, often several hundred nautical miles, though mission equipment, payload, and reserve requirements can significantly affect helicopter endurance. For passenger capacity, the TBM 960 is typically configured for about 4–6 passengers (plus pilot), whereas the S-92 commonly carries around 12–19 passengers depending on layout and mission role.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | Sikorsky S-92 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 19.79 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | S-92 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 439 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.94 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | 7417 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 3,068 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $30,650,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 19 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| 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 | CT7-8A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 2520 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | — |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel |
| No. of Engines | — | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 760 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | 775 |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 17.8 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 140 |