Cessna Citation Xls vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize business jet aimed at efficient short-to-medium missions, typically carrying about 7–9 passengers with a range around 2,100 nautical miles. The Pilatus PC-24 is a light jet with a “super versatile” mission profile, usually seating about 6–10, and offers roughly 2,000 nautical miles of range; it stands out for operating from shorter and less-prepared runways than most jets in its class. The Dassault Falcon 8X is a long-range, large-cabin business jet designed for intercontinental travel, commonly configured for about 12–16 passengers, with a range near 6,450 nautical miles. By contrast, the MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a light twin-engine helicopter for short-haul, point-to-point missions, generally carrying about 6–8 passengers and offering far less range than the jets, typically on the order of 300–350 nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves. Overall, the Falcon 8X leads on range and cabin size, the XLS+ and PC-24 compete in the short-to-midrange jet space, and the 902 prioritizes vertical access over distance.
| Spec | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Dassault Falcon 8X | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.34 | $ 7.66 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 17 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Dassault Falcon | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | XLS+ | 8X | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1906 | 6450 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.67 | $ 0.64 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 16 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 7540 | 36900 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 14 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,303 | $ 3,805 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Honeywell Primus EASy II | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 430 | 516 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,500,000 | $ 62,500,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | Yes | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 17 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 16 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD / AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 | 10.2 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 14 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 25230 | 29200 | 23500 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 3900 | — |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW545C | PW307D | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 10 | ISA + 17 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 4119 | 6722 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 52.5 | 80.2 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 56.3 | 86.3 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.7 | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.5 | 7.7 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.7 | 6.2 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 18.5 | 42.7 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.2 | 26.1 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.9 | 6.3 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.3 | 29.2 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 80 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 10 | 140 | 90 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 1695 | — |