Cessna Citation Xls vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piper M600 Sls
The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a light jet aimed at comfortable, higher-speed business travel, typically carrying about 7–9 passengers with a practical range around 2,000–2,100 nautical miles, making it well suited to longer regional trips with a cabin. The Daher TBM 960 is a high-performance single‑engine turboprop, usually configured for about 4–6 passengers, with range commonly around 1,400–1,700 nautical miles depending on reserves and power settings; it trades some cabin volume for efficiency and strong cruise speed for its class. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine light helicopter focused on mission flexibility and vertical access, generally seating about 6–7 occupants with a much shorter range, roughly 300–400 nautical miles. The Piper M600 SLS is a single‑engine turboprop positioned as a personal/business aircraft, typically seating about 4–6 passengers, with range commonly around 1,200–1,500 nautical miles. In short, the XLS+ leads for passenger-carrying comfort and longer nonstop legs, the TBM 960 and M600 SLS emphasize efficient point-to-point turboprop travel, and the 902 Explorer prioritizes access over distance.
| Spec | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Daher TBM 960 | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.34 | $ 2.25 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Daher TBM | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | XLS+ | TBM 960 | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1906 | 1730 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.67 | $ 0.56 | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 7540 | 2908 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,303 | $ 744 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 430 | 330 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,500,000 | $4,450,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR | IFR |
| Aircraft Type | — | Turbo Prop | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | No | No |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — | — |
| Jump Seat | No | — | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Galley Location | FWD | MID | MID |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — | — |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | — | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 | 6.2 | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | — | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 25230 | 14390 | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 8644 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | PW545C | TBM 960 | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 3600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 10 | ISA + 49 | ISA + 55 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 4119 | — | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | — | 1 |
| Horsepower | — | 850 | 600 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 260 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 52.5 | 35.3 | 29.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 56.3 | 42.1 | 43.2 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.7 | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.5 | 4 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.7 | 4.1 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 18.5 | 13.4 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.2 | — | 11.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.9 | — | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.3 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 80 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 10 | — | 20 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 123 | 165 |