Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piper M600 Sls
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a rugged single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft, typically configured for about 9 passengers, with a range roughly in the 900–1,200 nm class depending on payload and reserves. The Dassault Falcon 8X is a long‑range tri‑jet business aircraft aimed at intercontinental travel, usually carrying around 12–16 passengers in a corporate cabin, with a published range about 6,450 nm. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a light twin‑engine helicopter used for patrol, EMS, and corporate lift, generally seating about 6–8 occupants, with a typical range around 300–400 nm depending on configuration. The Piper M600 SLS is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop personal/corporate aircraft, commonly seating 5–6, with a range about 1,400 nm. Overall, the Falcon 8X dominates range and cabin comfort, the Caravan prioritizes payload and short/rough-field utility, the M600 emphasizes fast owner‑pilot efficiency, and the 902 provides vertical access at the cost of much shorter range.
| Spec | Dassault Falcon 8X | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.66 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 17 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Dassault Falcon | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | 8X | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 6450 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.64 | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 36900 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 14 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,805 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Honeywell Primus EASy II | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 516 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 62,500,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | No |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — |
| Jump Seat | Yes | — |
| Total Seats | 17 | 5 |
| Galley Location | FWD | MID |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | — |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 10.2 | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 14 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 29200 | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | 3900 | 8644 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | PW307D | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 3600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 17 | ISA + 55 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 6722 | — |
| No. of Engines | 3 | 1 |
| Horsepower | — | 600 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 260 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 80.2 | 29.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 86.3 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.7 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6.2 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 42.7 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 26.1 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 1695 | 165 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.3 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 29.2 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 140 | 20 |