King Air C90GTx vs TBM 850
The TBM 850 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Beechcraft / Textron Aviation King Air C90GTx (introduced 2010) beside the Daher (TBM) TBM 850 (introduced 2006) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are turboprops, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the TBM 850 has the advantage. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
King Air C90GTx vs TBM 850: the key differences
- The TBM 850 delivers 32% more range (King Air C90GTx: 1,260 nm; TBM 850: 1,665 nm).
- The TBM 850 delivers 18% more cruise speed (King Air C90GTx: 272 kt; TBM 850: 320 kt).
- The King Air C90GTx delivers 17% more passenger capacity (King Air C90GTx: 7 seats; TBM 850: 6 seats).
- The King Air C90GTx is the newer design (introduced 2010 versus 2006 for the TBM 850), a gap of 4 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The King Air C90GTx is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (10,485 lbs versus 7,394 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the King Air C90GTx runs 2 engines against 1 on the TBM 850 — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
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 King Air C90GTx 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?
Choose the TBM 850 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the King Air C90GTx when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the TBM 850 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
More comparisons
King Air C90GTx vs TBM 850: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the King Air C90GTx or the TBM 850?
The TBM 850 has the longer published range — 1,665 nm versus 1,260 nm for the King Air C90GTx.
Does the King Air C90GTx or TBM 850 seat more passengers?
The King Air C90GTx carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 7 seats, compared with 6 on the TBM 850.
Which is faster, the King Air C90GTx or the TBM 850?
The TBM 850 cruises faster, at 320 kt versus 272 kt for the King Air C90GTx.
Which is newer, the King Air C90GTx or the TBM 850?
The King Air C90GTx is the newer design, introduced in 2010 versus 2006 for the TBM 850.
Is the King Air C90GTx or the TBM 850 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the King Air C90GTx is the larger aircraft — 10,485 lbs versus 7,394 lbs for the TBM 850.
Should I buy the King Air C90GTx or the TBM 850?
Choose the TBM 850 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the King Air C90GTx when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the TBM 850 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the King Air C90GTx vs TBM 850?
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.