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Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Enstrom 480b vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer

The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility airplane, typically used for short‑to‑medium regional legs. It generally carries about 9–14 passengers depending on configuration, with range commonly around 900–1,200 nautical miles. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a twin‑engine light/midsize business jet optimized for faster point‑to‑point travel; it usually seats about 7–9 passengers in executive layouts and offers roughly 1,700–2,100 nautical miles of range, making it the longest‑range option here. The Enstrom 480B is a single‑engine turbine helicopter aimed at utility, training, and patrol roles. Passenger capacity is typically 4–5 total occupants, with practical range often around 300–400 nautical miles. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine light helicopter designed for public safety and commercial missions; it commonly carries about 6–8 occupants and typically ranges about 300–400 nautical miles. Overall, the Citation XLS+ leads on speed and range, the Grand Caravan EX leads on seat count for non‑jet operations, and the two helicopters trade airplane‑like range for vertical‑lift flexibility.

SpecCessna Citation XLS+
Summary
Cockpit2
DOC / nm$ 5.34
Min Crew2
Total Seats10
ManufacturerCessna Citation
Aircraft NameXLS+
CertificationFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)1906
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.67
Max Cabin Seats9
OEM VerificationVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)7540
Standard Cabin Seats8
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,303
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)430
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$15,500,000
Cabin
Cockpit2
Lavatory1 Enclosed Belted Flushing
Min Crew2
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatNo
Total Seats10
Galley LocationFWD
Max Cabin Seats9
Lavatory LocationAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)9.3
Galley / RefreshmentGalley
Standard Cabin Seats8
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)25230
Engine
FADECYes
ModelPW545C
TBO (hrs)5000
Flat RatingISA + 10
Thrust (lbs)4119
No. of Engines2
Dimensions
Length (ft)52.5
Wingspan (ft)56.3
Aisle Step (ft)0.7
Cabin Width (ft)5.5
Cabin Height (ft)5.7
Cabin Length (ft)18.5
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