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Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piaggio Avanti Evo vs Piper M600 Sls

The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft, typically used for regional hops and rugged operations. It generally offers the highest passenger capacity of this group at about 9–14 seats depending on interior and regulations, but its range is moderate, roughly in the 900–1,200 nm class. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine helicopter focused on vertical lift missions rather than point‑to‑point efficiency. Passenger capacity is usually around 6–8, and range is shorter than the fixed‑wing options, commonly a few hundred nautical miles, making it best for short-range access and air-taxi or special-mission work. The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a twin‑engine turboprop business aircraft optimized for speed and efficiency. It typically carries 6–9 passengers and offers long range for the segment, often around 1,500–1,800 nm. The Piper M600 SLS is a single‑engine turboprop personal/business aircraft. It usually seats about 5–6 passengers and provides solid range, roughly 1,200–1,500 nm, prioritizing owner-operator capability over maximum cabin capacity.

SpecPiaggio Avanti EVOPiper M600 SLS
Summary
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats86
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerPiaggioPiper
Aircraft NameAvanti EVOM600
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)15301406
Max Cabin Seats7
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)37752200
Standard Cabin Seats64
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21Garmin G3000
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)400274
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 7,695,000$3,081,400
DOC / nm$ 2.19
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.55
Direct Operating Cost$ 603
Cabin
Cockpit22
LavatoryNoNo
Min Crew11
Total Seats85
Max Cabin Seats7
Cabin Pressure (psi)95.6
Galley / RefreshmentNoRefreshment Centre
Standard Cabin Seats64
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)2400012600
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)66008644
Galley LocationMID
Engine
FADECYesNo
ModelPT6A–66BPT6A-42A
TBO (hrs)36003600
Horsepower850600
Flat RatingISA + 28ISA + 55
No. of Engines21
Fuel Burn (gph)100
Fuel Capacity (gal)260
Dimensions
Length (ft)47.329.7
Wingspan (ft)47.143.2
Cabin Width (ft)6.14.1
Cabin Height (ft)5.84
Cabin Length (ft)14.912.3
Overall Height (ft)13.111.3
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.5
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)35.220
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)165