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Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer

The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft best suited to short, rugged routes; it typically carries about 9 passengers and offers roughly 900–1,200 nm of range depending on load and reserves. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize business jet optimized for faster, longer point‑to‑point travel; it commonly seats 8–9 passengers (up to about 12 in high‑density layouts) and has an approximate range around 2,000–2,100 nm. The Leonardo AW189 is a large, twin‑engine helicopter aimed at offshore, SAR, and VIP/utility missions; it can be configured for roughly 16–19 passengers and has an approximate range on the order of 450–500 nm (mission and tank fit dependent). The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a light twin helicopter used for corporate, law‑enforcement, and EMS roles; it typically seats about 6–8 passengers and offers roughly 300–400 nm of range. Overall, the XLS+ leads in range and speed, the Caravan leads in simple utility and short-field access, the AW189 leads in rotorcraft capacity, and the MD 902 is the smaller, shorter‑range helicopter option.

SpecCessna Citation XLS+AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 5.34$ 15.57
Min Crew21
Total Seats1021
ManufacturerCessna CitationLeonardo
Aircraft NameXLS+AW189
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)1906651
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.67$ 0.74
Max Cabin Seats919
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)7540—
Standard Cabin Seats819
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,303$ 2,413
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21EFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)430155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$15,500,000$2,413,000
Flight Rules—IFR
Cabin
Cockpit22
Lavatory1 Enclosed Belted Flushing—
Min Crew21
Crew RestNo—
Jump SeatNo—
Total Seats1021
Galley LocationFWD—
Max Cabin Seats919
Lavatory LocationAFT—
Cabin Pressure (psi)9.3—
Galley / RefreshmentGalley—
Standard Cabin Seats819
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)25230—
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelPW545CCT7-2E1
TBO (hrs)50004000
Flat RatingISA + 10—
Thrust (lbs)4119—
No. of Engines22
Fuel Type—JetFuel
Horsepower—1983
Dimensions
Length (ft)52.557.8
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)17.216.6
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.9—
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)14.3—
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)8085
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)10—
Rotor Diameter (ft)—48
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)—395