Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Enstrom 480b vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piper M600 Sls
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX and Piper M600 SLS are fixed‑wing turboprops, while the Enstrom 480B and MD Helicopters 902 Explorer are helicopters. For range, the M600 SLS is typically the longest‑legged, designed for faster, farther personal and business travel, usually around the 1,000+ nautical mile class depending on reserves and loading. The Grand Caravan EX generally offers medium range for utility missions, commonly in the several‑hundred to roughly 900‑nautical‑mile class depending on configuration. The 902 Explorer and Enstrom 480B usually have shorter ranges than the turboprops, more often in the few‑hundred‑nautical‑mile class, optimized for point‑to‑point access rather than long cruise legs. Passenger capacity differs sharply. The Grand Caravan EX is the people‑and‑cargo hauler, typically seating up to about 9–14 passengers depending on interior and regulations. The M600 SLS is a high‑performance personal aircraft, typically six seats. The 902 Explorer is commonly arranged for about 7–8 occupants including pilot. The Enstrom 480B is a smaller utility helicopter, typically seating about five.
| Spec | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|
| Summary | |
| Cockpit | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.55 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,081,400 |
| Cabin | |
| Cockpit | 2 |
| Lavatory | No |
| Min Crew | 1 |
| Total Seats | 5 |
| Galley Location | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | 8644 |
| Engine | |
| FADEC | No |
| Model | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 55 |
| No. of Engines | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 260 |
| Dimensions | |
| Length (ft) | 29.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.3 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 165 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 20 |