Duke B60 vs DA42-VI
The Duke B60 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Beechcraft / Textron Aviation Duke B60 (introduced 1974) against the Diamond Aircraft DA42-VI (introduced 2002) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are piston twins, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Duke B60 carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
Duke B60 vs DA42-VI: the key differences
- The Duke B60 delivers 6% more range (Duke B60: 1,080 nm; DA42-VI: 1,020 nm).
- The Duke B60 delivers 19% more cruise speed (Duke B60: 220 kt; DA42-VI: 185 kt).
- The Duke B60 delivers 50% more passenger capacity (Duke B60: 6 seats; DA42-VI: 4 seats).
- The DA42-VI is the newer design (introduced 2002 versus 1974 for the Duke B60), a gap of 28 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Duke B60 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (6,775 lbs versus 4,078 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for regional and short-to-medium legs, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the Duke B60 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Duke B60 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The DA42-VI can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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Duke B60 vs DA42-VI: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Duke B60 or the DA42-VI?
The Duke B60 has the longer published range — 1,080 nm versus 1,020 nm for the DA42-VI.
Does the Duke B60 or DA42-VI seat more passengers?
The Duke B60 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 6 seats, compared with 4 on the DA42-VI.
Which is faster, the Duke B60 or the DA42-VI?
The Duke B60 cruises faster, at 220 kt versus 185 kt for the DA42-VI.
Which is newer, the Duke B60 or the DA42-VI?
The DA42-VI is the newer design, introduced in 2002 versus 1974 for the Duke B60.
Is the Duke B60 or the DA42-VI the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Duke B60 is the larger aircraft — 6,775 lbs versus 4,078 lbs for the DA42-VI.
Should I buy the Duke B60 or the DA42-VI?
On published specifications the Duke B60 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The DA42-VI can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the Duke B60 vs DA42-VI?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.