Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Enstrom 480b vs Piper M600 Sls
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft optimized for hauling people or cargo in and out of short or unimproved strips. It typically seats around 9–14 passengers depending on configuration, and while its range varies with load, it’s generally suited to regional missions rather than long nonstop trips. The Enstrom 480B is a single‑engine turbine helicopter, best categorized as a light utility rotorcraft for short‑range transport, training, patrol, or site access where runways aren’t available. Passenger capacity is much lower, usually about 4–5 seats total including the pilot, and range is also comparatively shorter than the fixed‑wing turboprops and pressurized singles. The Piper M600 SLS is a pressurized, single‑engine turboprop business aircraft focused on fast personal and executive travel. It typically carries about 5–6 passengers (plus pilot), offers a longer practical range than the Caravan for point‑to‑point trips, and cruises much faster, trading rugged utility and cabin volume for speed, altitude capability, and a more refined mission profile.
| 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 |