Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piper M600 Sls
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft optimized for short, unimproved strips and cargo/passenger hauling. It typically offers the greatest passenger capacity of this group, commonly configured around 9 passengers, with a moderate range roughly in the 900–1,000+ nautical mile class depending on payload and conditions. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a twin‑engine light business jet focused on speed and comfort, usually seating about 7–9 passengers, and it generally provides the longest range here, often around 1,800–2,100 nautical miles. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine helicopter designed for versatile point‑to‑point access, usually carrying about 5–7 passengers plus pilot(s), but with the shortest range, commonly a few hundred nautical miles (roughly 300–400) depending on reserves and mission profile. The Piper M600 SLS is a pressurized single‑engine turboprop positioned as a personal/business aircraft, typically carrying 5–6 passengers, with range generally around 1,200–1,500 nautical miles.
| Spec | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.34 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | XLS+ | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1906 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.67 | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 7540 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,303 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 430 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,500,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | No |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — |
| Jump Seat | No | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 5 |
| Galley Location | FWD | MID |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 25230 | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 8644 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | PW545C | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 10 | ISA + 55 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 4119 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Horsepower | — | 600 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 260 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 52.5 | 29.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 56.3 | 43.2 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.7 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.5 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.7 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 18.5 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.2 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.9 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.3 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 80 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 10 | 20 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 165 |