Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piper M600 Sls vs Sikorsky S 92
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft (fixed‑wing) typically used for regional and remote operations. It commonly carries about 9 passengers (up to roughly 14 seats in commuter layouts) and offers an approximate range around 900–1,200 nautical miles depending on load and conditions. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine light utility helicopter suited to short‑range point‑to‑point missions, usually accommodating about 7 passengers, with a typical range in the neighborhood of 250–350 nautical miles. The Piper M600 SLS is a single‑engine turboprop personal/business aircraft optimized for faster owner‑flown travel. It seats up to 6 and generally provides about 1,200–1,400 nautical miles of range. The Sikorsky S‑92 is a twin‑engine medium transport helicopter designed for offshore and high‑capacity utility roles. It commonly carries about 19 passengers (higher-density configs exist) and typically ranges about 500–600 nautical miles, varying by mission equipment and reserves.
| Spec | Piper M600 SLS | Sikorsky S-92 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.19 | $ 19.79 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Piper | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | M600 | S-92 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1406 | 439 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.55 | $ 0.94 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2200 | 7417 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 603 | $ 3,068 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 274 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,081,400 | $30,650,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 19 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 5 | 21 |
| Galley Location | MID | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 5.6 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | Refreshment Centre | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 19 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 12600 | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | 8644 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 19 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | No | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-42A | CT7-8A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 600 | 2520 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 55 | — |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 260 | 760 |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel |
| 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 | 17.8 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 165 | 775 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 20 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 140 |