Cessna Citation Xls vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Enstrom 480b vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a light business jet, optimized for faster point‑to‑point travel with typical range around 2,100 nautical miles and seating generally for about 7–9 passengers depending on configuration. The Daher TBM 960 is a single‑engine turboprop, trading jet speed for efficiency and short‑field flexibility, with typical range roughly 1,700–1,800 nautical miles and usually 4–6 passengers plus a pilot. The Enstrom 480B is a light single‑engine piston helicopter, aimed at utility, training, and short‑range missions; practical range is on the order of 300–400 nautical miles and it typically carries a pilot plus 3–4 passengers. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a light twin‑engine helicopter geared to corporate, EMS, and law‑enforcement roles, with typical range about 300–350 nautical miles and a common capacity of 1–2 pilots plus about 5–7 passengers. Overall, the XLS+ leads on range and cruise speed, the TBM 960 is the efficient long‑leg alternative, and the two helicopters prioritize vertical access over distance.
| Spec | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Daher TBM 960 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.34 | $ 2.25 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Daher TBM |
| Aircraft Name | XLS+ | TBM 960 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1906 | 1730 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.67 | $ 0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 7540 | 2908 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,303 | $ 744 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 430 | 330 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,500,000 | $4,450,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR |
| Aircraft Type | — | Turbo Prop |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | No |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — |
| Jump Seat | No | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | MID |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 | 6.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 25230 | 14390 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW545C | TBM 960 |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 10 | ISA + 49 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 4119 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | — |
| Horsepower | — | 850 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 52.5 | 35.3 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 56.3 | 42.1 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.7 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.5 | 4 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.7 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 18.5 | 13.4 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.2 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.9 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.3 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 80 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 10 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 123 |