So lately there have been a few threads dealing with SETPs that have devolved into the tired old arguments repeated over and over and it got me wondering about how many options there are in the debated categories. So I ask the collective knowledge of BT what aircraft could possibly fulfill this mission reliably without ISA conditions and in the face of an occasional headwind:

carry 1000 lbs, 1200 nm, at 300+ ktas

What birds can do this and how much do they cost to purchase and operate?

Geoff

lets not let this devolve into another single vs twin thing

TBM's would fit the bill. Cost depends on whether you go with the 700, 800 or 900 versions.

I didn't think a TBM could carry that much payload with the fuel required for the flight. The 900's spec say full fuel payload is only 890 lbs and range at 300+ ktas is 1440 no wind. leave some gas behind to load the cabin and any headwind would make the flight a no go. you could always just slow down and make it but then you wouldn't be 300+ ktas.

Geoff

The only SETP that's going to give you 300+ knots is a TBM. But it's not going to carry that much that far.

Your best bet is a Pilatus at 275 knots.

I like your brand loyalty Jason, when in doubt send the Pilatus out.

1000lbs 1200 miles is no joke. Pilatus, Phenom 300, Big CJ.

It's not "brand loyalty". It just there are only a couple planes that can do this.

Mike's MU2 M model with -10 engines can do it.
My MU2 Solitaire will come close, though slightly less available payload than his older M model.
TurboCommander should be able.
Cessna 441 Conquest no problem.
Merlin no problem.
KA200 I don't know well, but if older ones can handle that payload/range they might be close on speed too, but will cost a fair amount more to operate probably.

In general if you want range like that, especially into headwinds, look at the Garrett powered planes.

Aero Commander can, cost 500k to 1mm

The Jetprop Commanders (840, 900, 980, 1000) do almost 2000nm and 300kts. They're normally $700K+. The 690's do 1400nm and 270-280kts and are normally $400K+. Both models will cost less to operate than a TBM or PC12 in total.

Thanks for the specific information. I was pricing mostly the 690s with -10s.

Awesome machines and great values. Better fuel burn and faster than the -5 models.

to be honest my knowledge of areo commanders is limited to watching old bob hoover videos on the inter-webs.

what are their payload, range, and speed?

So why the hell did they stop making them, sounds like a great plane. makes a new c90x look pathetic.

That's a good question. They are very capable. Fast, efficient, range, short to and landing. But the older ones have a LOT of expensive ADs. And they are really a pilots plane, don't have the creature comforts of the King Air.

But there's sure a market out there for them.

So why the hell did they stop making them, sounds like a great plane. makes a new c90x look pathetic.

My solitaire has 900lb useful load at full fuel and can do that missions other parameters. I could take two seats and a cabinet out and pick up another 60lbs or so. G600 would save some weight too. So it's possible.

I looked hard at tbms, you have to get an 850 to do what you described. C2 has good payload but they are slow. Follow lots of planes going in all directions and you will see real world speeds. I found most turbines slower in the real world than what people post on here. Further, I am not even sure an 850 will do 1200m if you are running it at 300knots.

On the -5 commanders, to get long range they seem to be more like 260knot birds. Main reason I didn't get one. I also didn't like the low cabin diff. 6psi cabin is very pleasant for long flights.