Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Enstrom 480b
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft, optimized for short/rough-field work and high payload; it typically carries 9–14 passengers depending on configuration, with a practical range around 900–1,000 nautical miles. The Daher TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop aimed at fast personal and business travel; it generally seats 4–6 passengers (up to about 8 with options), and offers roughly 1,400–1,700 nautical miles of range depending on reserves and speed settings. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize business jet designed for higher speed and altitude; it commonly seats 7–9 passengers, with a typical range around 1,800–2,100 nautical miles. The Enstrom 480B is a single‑engine piston helicopter focused on short-range transport and training/utility missions; it typically seats 4–5 occupants, with an approximate range near 300–400 nautical miles. Overall, the XLS+ leads in speed and jet comfort, the TBM 960 balances near‑jet travel with turboprop efficiency, the Caravan prioritizes capacity and versatility, and the 480B trades range for vertical access.
| Spec | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Daher TBM 960 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.34 | $ 2.25 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Daher TBM |
| Aircraft Name | XLS+ | TBM 960 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1906 | 1730 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.67 | $ 0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 7540 | 2908 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,303 | $ 744 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 430 | 330 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,500,000 | $4,450,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR |
| Aircraft Type | — | Turbo Prop |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | No |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — |
| Jump Seat | No | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | MID |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 | 6.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 25230 | 14390 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW545C | TBM 960 |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 10 | ISA + 49 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 4119 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | — |
| Horsepower | — | 850 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 52.5 | 35.3 |
| 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 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.2 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.9 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.3 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 80 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 10 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 123 |