Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Sikorsky S 92
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft optimized for short, rugged missions. It typically carries about 9 passengers (plus crew) and offers moderate range suited to regional flying rather than long nonstop trips. The Daher TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop aimed at fast owner‑operation; it generally seats around 4–6 passengers in comfort (up to about 6–7 depending on configuration) and delivers longer range than the Caravan, often sufficient for extended regional or some transcontinental legs. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a light business jet, usually configured for about 7–9 passengers, with higher cruise speed and a range that commonly exceeds both turboprops, making it better for longer nonstop city pairs. The Sikorsky S‑92 is a large twin‑engine helicopter used for offshore, search and rescue, and VIP transport; it can carry roughly 12–19 passengers depending on layout, but its range is generally shorter than the fixed‑wing aircraft, trading speed and efficiency for vertical lift and access to helipads and remote sites.
| Spec | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Daher TBM 960 | Sikorsky S-92 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.34 | $ 2.25 | $ 19.79 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 | 21 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Daher TBM | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | XLS+ | TBM 960 | S-92 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1906 | 1730 | 439 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.67 | $ 0.56 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 7540 | 2908 | 7417 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,303 | $ 744 | $ 3,068 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Garmin G3000 | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 430 | 330 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,500,000 | $4,450,000 | $30,650,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR | IFR |
| Aircraft Type | — | Turbo Prop | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | No | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | — | — |
| Jump Seat | No | — | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 | 21 |
| Galley Location | FWD | MID | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — | 19 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | — | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 | 6.2 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 | 19 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 25230 | 14390 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW545C | TBM 960 | CT7-8A |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 4000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 10 | ISA + 49 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | 4119 | — | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | — | 1 |
| Horsepower | — | 850 | 2520 |
| Fuel Type | — | — | JetFuel |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 760 |
| 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 | — | 17.8 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.9 | — | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.3 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 80 | — | 140 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 10 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 123 | 775 |