Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Daher Tbm 960
The Airbus H225 is a heavy twin‑engine helicopter best suited to offshore, SAR, or utility missions. It trades speed for vertical takeoff/landing flexibility and typically offers a practical range in the few‑hundred‑nautical‑mile class (often extendable with auxiliary fuel) while carrying roughly 19 passengers in high‑density seating, or fewer in VIP/mission layouts. The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft optimized for short, rugged strips and cargo/passenger work. It commonly flies around 800–900 nautical miles depending on load, and is usually configured for about 9 passengers (plus pilot), though it can be arranged for cargo or special missions. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a super‑light business jet focused on fast point‑to‑point travel. It typically reaches about 2,000 nautical miles and seats around 8–9 passengers in a business cabin. The Daher TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop positioned between utility turboprops and light jets. It offers roughly 1,400–1,700 nautical miles and generally carries 4–6 passengers in a premium, owner‑pilot‑friendly layout.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Daher TBM 960 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 5.34 | $ 2.25 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 10 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Cessna Citation | Daher TBM |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | XLS+ | TBM 960 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 1906 | 1730 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 0.67 | $ 0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 9 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 7540 | 2908 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 8 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 2,303 | $ 744 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 430 | 330 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,500,000 | $4,450,000 |
| Aircraft Type | — | — | Turbo Prop |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 10 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 9 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 8 | 4 |
| Lavatory | — | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | No |
| Crew Rest | — | No | — |
| Jump Seat | — | No | — |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | MID |
| Lavatory Location | — | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9.3 | 6.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Galley | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 25230 | 14390 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | PW545C | TBM 960 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5000 | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | — | 850 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 10 | ISA + 49 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 4119 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 52.5 | 35.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 17.2 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | 123 |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 56.3 | 42.1 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | 0.7 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5.5 | 4 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 5.7 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 18.5 | 13.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.9 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 14.3 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 80 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 10 | — |