Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Robinson R66
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft optimized for short, rough-field work, typically carrying 9–14 passengers depending on configuration and offering roughly 900–1,200 nautical miles of range. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize business jet focused on speed and comfort, usually seating about 7–9 passengers with a typical range around 1,800–2,100 nautical miles. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a light twin‑engine helicopter aimed at corporate, utility, and public-safety missions, commonly carrying about 6–8 occupants and providing approximately 300–400 nautical miles of range. The Robinson R66 is a light single‑engine turbine helicopter used for private, training, and light utility roles, generally seating 4–5 occupants with about 300–350 nautical miles of range. Overall, the XLS+ leads in range and cruise capability, the Grand Caravan EX leads in rugged payload-focused practicality, and the 902 and R66 trade runway independence for shorter ranges and smaller cabin capacities.
| 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 |