Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piper M600 Sls
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility airplane in the commuter/cargo category. It’s typically used for short‑to‑medium regional legs, offering roughly 900–1,200 nautical miles of range depending on payload and reserves, and it commonly carries about 9 passengers (with single‑pilot operations) or a mix of passengers and cargo. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine light helicopter geared toward rotorcraft missions such as law enforcement, EMS, and corporate transport where vertical takeoff and landing matters more than distance. Its range is much shorter, generally around 300–400 nautical miles, and cabin seating is usually around 6–8 passengers depending on configuration. The Piper M600 SLS is a single‑engine turboprop, pressurized personal/business aircraft. It prioritizes speed and comfort over raw cabin volume, with a typical range around 1,000–1,400 nautical miles and seating generally for 4–6 passengers.
| 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 |