Cessna Citation Xls vs Enstrom 480b vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Citation XLS+ and Pilatus PC-24 are light business jets, while the Enstrom 480B and MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer are turbine helicopters. In range terms, the PC-24 typically leads this group, designed for longer point-to-point trips (roughly around 2,000 nautical miles), with the Citation XLS+ close behind as a strong mid-range jet (roughly around 1,600–2,100 nautical miles depending on mission and configuration). The helicopters are shorter-range aircraft by comparison: an Enstrom 480B is generally in the few-hundred–nautical-mile class, and the 902 Explorer is typically several hundred nautical miles, varying with fuel and reserves. For passenger capacity, the two jets usually seat about 7–10 passengers in typical executive layouts (with the PC-24 often configured around 8–10 and the XLS+ commonly around 7–9). The Enstrom 480B is a smaller cabin helicopter, typically carrying about 4–5 passengers plus a pilot, while the 902 Explorer is a larger corporate/utility helicopter commonly configured for about 7–8 passengers plus one or two pilots.
| Spec | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.34 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | XLS+ | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1906 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.67 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 7540 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,303 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 430 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,500,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 25230 | 23500 |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW545C | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 10 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 4119 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 52.5 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 56.3 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.7 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.5 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.7 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 18.5 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.2 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.9 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.3 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 80 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 10 | 90 |