Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Piper M600 Sls vs Robinson R66
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a fixed‑wing utility turboprop, typically used for short‑to‑medium regional hops. It generally offers the longest practical range of this group and the highest passenger capacity, commonly seating up to around 9 passengers (plus pilot) depending on configuration, making it well suited to freight, shuttle, and remote airstrip work. The Leonardo (Agusta) AW189 is a medium twin‑engine helicopter aimed at offshore, SAR, and VIP/utility roles. Its range is typically medium and mission‑dependent, but it can carry a larger cabin load than light helicopters, often around the mid‑teens in passenger seating in high‑density layouts, trading cruise efficiency for vertical access. The Piper M600 SLS is a single‑engine pressurized turboprop airplane oriented to owner‑operators. It is a long‑range, fast personal aircraft but with a small cabin, usually around 5–6 seats, prioritizing speed and comfort over volume. The Robinson R66 is a light single‑engine helicopter with short‑to‑moderate range and small capacity, typically 4 passengers plus pilot, optimized for cost‑effective vertical‑lift missions rather than long-distance travel.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.57 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | AW189 | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 651 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,413 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,413,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 2200 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 4 |
| Lavatory | — | No |
| Galley Location | — | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Refreshment Centre |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 8644 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | CT7-2E1 | PT6A-42A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 1983 | 600 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 55 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 260 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 57.8 | 29.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.6 | 11.3 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 395 | 165 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 85 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 12.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 20 |