TBM 850 vs PC-12 NGX
The PC-12 NGX leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Daher (TBM) TBM 850 (introduced 2006) beside the Pilatus Aircraft PC-12 NGX (introduced 2021) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are turboprops, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the PC-12 NGX 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.
TBM 850 vs PC-12 NGX: the key differences
- The PC-12 NGX delivers 8% more range (TBM 850: 1,665 nm; PC-12 NGX: 1,803 nm).
- The TBM 850 delivers 10% more cruise speed (TBM 850: 320 kt; PC-12 NGX: 290 kt).
- The PC-12 NGX delivers 83% more passenger capacity (TBM 850: 6 seats; PC-12 NGX: 11 seats).
- The PC-12 NGX is the newer design (introduced 2021 versus 2006 for the TBM 850), a gap of 15 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The PC-12 NGX is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (10,450 lbs versus 7,394 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 PC-12 NGX 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 PC-12 NGX leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The TBM 850 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.
More comparisons
TBM 850 vs PC-12 NGX: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the TBM 850 or the PC-12 NGX?
The PC-12 NGX has the longer published range — 1,803 nm versus 1,665 nm for the TBM 850.
Does the TBM 850 or PC-12 NGX seat more passengers?
The PC-12 NGX carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 11 seats, compared with 6 on the TBM 850.
Which is faster, the TBM 850 or the PC-12 NGX?
The TBM 850 cruises faster, at 320 kt versus 290 kt for the PC-12 NGX.
Which is newer, the TBM 850 or the PC-12 NGX?
The PC-12 NGX is the newer design, introduced in 2021 versus 2006 for the TBM 850.
Is the TBM 850 or the PC-12 NGX the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the PC-12 NGX is the larger aircraft — 10,450 lbs versus 7,394 lbs for the TBM 850.
Should I buy the TBM 850 or the PC-12 NGX?
On published specifications the PC-12 NGX leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The TBM 850 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 TBM 850 vs PC-12 NGX?
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.