Beechcraft King Air 260 vs Beechcraft Kingair Denali vs Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Cessna Citation M2
The Beechcraft King Air 260 is a twin‑turboprop in the utility/business category, typically seating about 6–9 passengers, with range generally around 1,700–2,000 nautical miles depending on load and reserves. The Beechcraft King Air Denali is a newer, larger single‑engine turboprop positioned above many traditional singles; it’s aimed at premium owner‑operator and corporate missions, typically around 6–9 passengers, with a projected range roughly in the 1,500–1,600 nautical mile class. The Cessna Citation M2 is an entry‑level light jet, usually 4–6 passengers, optimized for shorter missions with range roughly around 1,200–1,500 nautical miles. The Citation CJ3+ is a light jet step up, commonly 6–9 passengers, with range typically about 2,000 nautical miles. The Citation CJ4 is the largest of these Citations, often 7–10 passengers, delivering the longest jet range here at roughly 2,100–2,200 nautical miles. Overall, the turboprops emphasize runway flexibility and efficiency, while the Citations emphasize speed and higher-altitude cruise.
| Spec | Beechcraft King Air 260 | Beechcraft KingAir Denali | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Cessna Citation M2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.30 | $ 4.08 | $ 4.05 | $ 4.37 | $ 3.45 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — | — | — |
| Manufacturer | Beechcraft | GE® Aerospace | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation |
| Aircraft Name | KingAir 250 | KingAir Denali | CJ3+ | CJ4 | M2 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1420 | 1600 | 1898 | 2170 | 1400 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.72 | $ 0.68 | $ 0.58 | $ 0.62 | $ 0.58 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3760 | 3280 | 5530 | 6914 | 3810 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,333 | $ 1,111 | $ 1,680 | $ 1,970 | $ 1,395 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Garmin G3000 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 310 | 285 | 415 | 440 | 404 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,450,000 | $4,150,000 | $9,915,000 | $11,290,000 | $5,150,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Flushing | 1 Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.5 | 5 | 8.9 | 9 | 8.5 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No | Galley | Galley | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 15293 | 11065 | 23586 | 24005 | 22027 |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | No | No | No |
| Galley Location | — | — | FWD | FWD | — |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | — | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-52 | Catalyst™ | FJ44-3A | FJ44-4A | FJ44-1AP-21 |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | — | 5000 | 5000 | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 850 | — | — | — | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 37 | — | ISA + 11 | ISA + 11 | ISA + 7 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 544 | — | 703 | 870 | 492 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 2820 | 3621 | 1965 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | — | 624 | 757 | 516 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 43.8 | 14.86 | 51.2 | 53.4 | 42.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 57.9 | 54.3 | 53 | 50 | 47.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 16.7 | 12.6 | 15.7 | 17.2 | 11 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.8 | 4.65 | 15.2 | 15.5 | 14 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.1 | 4.1 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.1 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.7 | 12.6 | 12.2 | 14.8 | 8.8 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 55 | 48 | — | 7 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | — | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 65 | 70 | 46 |