Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Cessna Citation M2 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Piper M600 Sls
The Cessna Citation CJ4 and Citation M2 are light business jets, while the Pilatus PC-12 NGX and Piper M600 SLS are single‑engine turboprops. In category terms, the CJ4 sits at the top of this group as a larger, faster light jet optimized for longer, higher‑altitude missions; the M2 is a smaller entry‑level jet aimed at shorter trips and lower operating complexity. The PC-12 NGX is a versatile utility turboprop known for short/rough-field capability and strong payload flexibility, whereas the M600 SLS is a smaller, simpler owner‑flown turboprop emphasizing advanced automation. On range, the CJ4 generally offers the longest legs (roughly around 2,000 nautical miles), the PC-12 NGX is typically close behind (often around 1,700–1,800 nm), the M2 is shorter (about 1,300–1,600 nm depending on reserves and loading), and the M600 SLS is similar to the M2 or a bit less (roughly around 1,400–1,500 nm). For passengers, the CJ4 commonly seats about 8–10, the M2 about 6–7, the PC-12 NGX typically 6–9 (with flexible cabin options), and the M600 SLS usually about 4–6.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Cessna Citation M2 | Pilatus PC-12 NGX | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.37 | $ 3.45 | $ 2.78 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Pilatus | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | CJ4 | M2 | PC-12 NGX | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2170 | 1400 | 1803 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 | $ 0.58 | $ 0.46 | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 9 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6914 | 3810 | — | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,970 | $ 1,395 | $ 793 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus Apex | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 | 404 | 290 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,290,000 | $5,150,000 | $5,350,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Flight Rules | — | — | IFR | IFR |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | Optional | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | — | — |
| Jump Seat | No | No | — | — |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 | 5 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — | — | MID |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 9 | — |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | FWD | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 8.5 | 5.8 | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | No | No | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24005 | 22027 | 13100 | 12600 |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | — | 8644 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | FJ44-4A | FJ44-1AP-21 | PT6E-67XP | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 5000 | 3600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 7 | ISA + 35 | ISA + 55 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3621 | 1965 | — | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 757 | 516 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 870 | 492 | — | 260 |
| Horsepower | — | — | 1200 | 600 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | 402 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 53.4 | 42.6 | 47.25 | 29.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 50 | 47.3 | 53.33 | 43.2 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.4 | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 17.2 | 11 | 16.9 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.5 | 14 | 14 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.1 | 4.25 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.8 | 8.8 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 70 | 46 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 7 | — | 40 | 20 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | — | 165 |