Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piper M600 Sls vs Robinson R66
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a fixed‑wing, single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft built for short‑haul regional transport; it typically carries 9–14 people depending on configuration and offers roughly 900–1,200 nm of range. The Piper M600 SLS is a higher‑performance, pressurized single‑engine turboprop aimed at owner‑pilots and business travel; it generally seats about 4–6 passengers (plus pilot) and can reach around 1,200–1,500 nm. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine light helicopter focused on law enforcement, EMS, and corporate shuttle roles; it commonly carries 5–7 occupants and has a typical range around 300–400 nm. The Robinson R66 is a single‑engine light helicopter used for private, utility, and training missions; it usually carries 4–5 occupants and offers about 300–350 nm of range. Overall, the fixed‑wing turboprops deliver much longer range and higher passenger capacity, while the helicopters trade that for vertical lift, point‑to‑point access, and low‑infrastructure operations.
| 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 |