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.
| Spec | Cessna Citation XLS+ |
|---|---|
| Summary | |
| Cockpit | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.34 |
| Min Crew | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation |
| Aircraft Name | XLS+ |
| Certification | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1906 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.67 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 7540 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 |
| 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 | |
| Cockpit | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No |
| Jump Seat | No |
| Total Seats | 10 |
| Galley Location | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 25230 |
| Engine | |
| FADEC | Yes |
| Model | PW545C |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 10 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 4119 |
| No. of Engines | 2 |
| 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 |