Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Piper M600 Sls vs Robinson R66
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft suited to short and unimproved strips, offering medium range and typically carrying a pilot plus about 8–9 passengers (or equivalent cargo). The Dassault Falcon 8X is a long‑range, three‑engine business jet in a different class altogether, optimized for intercontinental missions with the longest range of the group and typically accommodating around 12–16 passengers depending on cabin layout. The Piper M600 SLS is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop personal/corporate aircraft, generally flown with 1 pilot and seating about 5–6 passengers, delivering solid regional range but less than the Caravan and far less than the Falcon 8X. The Robinson R66 is a light single‑engine turbine helicopter, prioritizing vertical access over speed and endurance; it usually seats 1 pilot plus 4 passengers and has the shortest range of these four. Overall, the Falcon 8X leads on range and cabin capacity, the Caravan leads on rugged utility and useful load, the M600 balances speed and owner‑operated efficiency, and the R66 excels where landing infrastructure is limited.
| 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 |