AIR.ONE

Beechcraft King Air 260 vs Md Helicopters Md 600n vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx

The Beechcraft King Air 260 and Pilatus PC-12 NGX are pressurized fixed‑wing turboprops suited to regional point‑to‑point travel, while the MD Helicopters MD 600N and MD 902 Explorer are light twin‑engine-category helicopters optimized for vertical access, short repositioning, and landing sites unavailable to airplanes. In range terms, the PC‑12 NGX is typically the longest‑leg option, commonly around 1,700–1,800 nm depending on payload and reserves, with the King Air 260 generally shorter, roughly around 1,000–1,500 nm class depending on configuration. The MD 600N and MD 902 have substantially shorter ranges, typically a few hundred nautical miles (often roughly 300–400 nm), reflecting helicopter fuel fractions and mission profiles. For passenger capacity, the PC‑12 NGX commonly seats about 6–9 passengers in executive layouts, with the King Air 260 typically in a similar 6–9 passenger range. The MD 600N generally carries about 5–6 passengers plus pilot, while the MD 902 Explorer is often configured for about 6–7 passengers plus pilot, varying by interior and mission equipment.

SpecBeechcraft King Air 260MD Helicopters MD 600NMD Helicopters MD 902 ExlplorerPilatus PC-12 NGX
Summary
Cockpit2222
DOC / nm$ 4.30$ 4.06$ 7.54$ 2.78
Min Crew1111
Total Seats8688
Flight RulesIFRVFRVFRIFR
ManufacturerBeechcraftMD HelicotpersMD HelicotpersPilatus
Aircraft NameKingAir 250MD 600NMD 902 ExlplorerPC-12 NGX
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)14203413171803
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.72$ 0.68$ 0.94$ 0.46
Max Cabin Seats8569
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)376020003125
Standard Cabin Seats6566
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,333$ 545$ 988$ 793
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line FusionGyro / AnalogGarmin G500HHoneywell Primus Apex
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)310134131290
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,450,000 $3,400,000 $7,250,000 $5,350,000
Cabin
Cockpit2222
Lavatory1 FlushingOptional
Min Crew1111
Total Seats8688
Max Cabin Seats8569
Lavatory LocationAFTFWD
Cabin Pressure (psi)6.55.8
Galley / RefreshmentNoNo
Standard Cabin Seats6566
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)1529313100
Cargo DoorYes
Engine
FADECYesNoNoYes
ModelPT6A-52250-C47PW207EPT6E-67XP
TBO (hrs)3600200040005000
Horsepower8507157101200
Flat RatingISA + 37ISA + 35
No. of Engines1121
Fuel Capacity (gal)544118159
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
Fuel Burn (gph)4165
Usable Fuel (gal)402
Dimensions
Length (ft)43.836.940.647.25
Wingspan (ft)57.953.33
Cabin Width (ft)4.55
Cabin Height (ft)4.84.9
Cabin Length (ft)16.716.9
Overall Height (ft)14.89.71214
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)4.14.25
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)16.7
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)5540
Rotor Diameter (ft)27.533.9