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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.

SpecPiper M600 SLS
Summary
Cockpit2
DOC / nm$ 2.19
Min Crew1
Total Seats6
Flight RulesIFR
ManufacturerPiper
Aircraft NameM600
CertificationFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)1406
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.55
OEM VerificationVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)2200
Standard Cabin Seats4
Direct Operating Cost$ 603
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G3000
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)274
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,081,400
Cabin
Cockpit2
LavatoryNo
Min Crew1
Total Seats5
Galley LocationMID
Cabin Pressure (psi)5.6
Galley / RefreshmentRefreshment Centre
Standard Cabin Seats4
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)12600
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)8644
Engine
FADECNo
ModelPT6A-42A
TBO (hrs)3600
Horsepower600
Flat RatingISA + 55
No. of Engines1
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