Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Robinson R66
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft optimized for short, rugged operations rather than speed; it typically carries about 9 passengers and offers a moderate range around 900–1,200 nautical miles depending on load and reserves. The Dassault Falcon 8X is a long‑range, large‑cabin tri‑jet business aircraft in a different class entirely, commonly configured for roughly 12–16 passengers and capable of intercontinental range of about 6,000+ nautical miles. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a twin‑engine light jet aimed at flexible access to shorter runways, usually seating about 6–10 passengers, with a mid‑to‑long range around 2,000 nautical miles. The Robinson R66 is a single‑engine turbine helicopter, best for short‑range point‑to‑point missions and vertical access; it generally carries 4 passengers plus a pilot and has a typical range around 300+ nautical miles. Overall, the Falcon 8X leads on range and cabin, the PC‑24 balances jet performance with field capability, the Caravan emphasizes utility and payload economics, and the R66 trades range for helicopter versatility.
| Spec | Dassault Falcon 8X | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.66 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 17 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Dassault Falcon | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | 8X | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 6450 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.64 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 36900 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 14 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,805 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Honeywell Primus EASy II | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 516 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 62,500,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No |
| Total Seats | 17 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 10.2 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 14 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 29200 | 23500 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | 3900 | — |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW307D | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 17 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 6722 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 3 | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 80.2 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 86.3 | 55.8 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.7 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6.2 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 42.7 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 26.1 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 1695 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.3 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 29.2 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 140 | 90 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor |