Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Sikorsky S 92
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft typically used for short to medium regional legs, with a practical range around 900–1,200 nautical miles depending on load, and seating commonly configured for about 9–14 passengers. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a light twin helicopter focused on short‑range missions; typical range is roughly 300–350 nautical miles, and capacity is usually about 6–8 passengers (plus crew), depending on interior fit. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light business jet designed for faster point‑to‑point travel and operations into shorter runways than many jets; it typically offers about 6–10 passenger seats and a range on the order of 1,800–2,000 nautical miles. The Sikorsky S‑92 is a large twin helicopter used for offshore and VIP transport; it generally carries about 12–19 passengers (layout dependent) with typical range roughly 500–550 nautical miles. Overall, the PC‑24 leads in speed and range, the S‑92 leads in helicopter capacity, the Caravan emphasizes rugged utility, and the 902 emphasizes compact rotorcraft flexibility.
| Spec | Pilatus PC-24 | Sikorsky S-92 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.71 | $ 19.79 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 21 |
| Manufacturer | Pilatus | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | PC-24 | S-92 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2076 | 439 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6680 | 7417 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,619 | $ 3,068 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,800,000 | $30,650,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | — |
| Jump Seat | No | — |
| Cargo Door | Yes | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 21 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 19 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | Optional Refreshment Center | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 19 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23500 | — |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-4A-QPM | CT7-8A |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 23 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3435 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel |
| Horsepower | — | 2520 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 760 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 52.2 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | 55.8 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.6 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.1 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 23 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.4 | 17.8 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.8 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 17 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 90 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 775 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 140 |