Cessna Caravan vs Daher Kodiak 100 Series Iii vs Piper M600 Sls
The Cessna Caravan is the utility workhorse of the group, optimized for simple, rugged hauling rather than speed or luxury. In category terms it’s a single‑engine turboprop designed primarily for cargo, commuter, and backcountry operations. Its typical range is roughly in the 900–1,200 nm class depending on model, payload, and reserves. Passenger capacity is commonly 9–14 seats in commuter layouts (often 9 in many regulatory settings), with strong flexibility for mixed cargo/passenger use. The Daher Kodiak 100 Series III is also a single‑engine utility turboprop, but more purpose‑built for short/rough strips and high‑cycle regional missions with modern avionics. Range is generally comparable to the Caravan, often around 1,000–1,200 nm depending on configuration. Passenger capacity is typically up to 10 (including a pilot seat), with cabin arrangements favoring quick reconfiguration and backcountry access. The Piper M600 SLS is a single‑engine turboprop in the personal/business category, emphasizing speed, cabin finish, and owner‑pilot usability rather than maximum payload. Its range is typically around 1,400–1,600 nm, and seating is usually 5–6 occupants, trading capacity for comfort and longer legs.
| Spec | Cessna Caravan | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.07 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | Caravan | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1070 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.38 | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3305 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 571 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 186 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,355,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 |
| Galley Location | — | MID |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 8644 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | PT6A-114A | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 675 | 600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 31 | ISA + 55 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 260 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 37.6 | 29.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.8 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15 | 11.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | 20 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 165 |