Cessna Citation Xls vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Piper M600 Sls
The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a super‑midsize business jet built for fast, point‑to‑point travel with a typical range around 2,000 nautical miles and seating commonly configured for about 7–9 passengers. The Pilatus PC‑24 is also a light business jet, notable for rough‑field capability, with a broadly similar range (roughly 2,000 nautical miles) and typical seating around 6–10 depending on layout. The Piper M600 SLS is a single‑engine turboprop, generally operated as an owner‑flown personal or small business aircraft; it trades speed for efficiency, offering about 1,400–1,500 nautical miles of range with seating typically 5–6. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine helicopter, optimized for vertical access, short hops, and mission flexibility rather than long range; it typically seats about 6–8 and has a range on the order of 300–400 nautical miles. Overall, the jets lead on speed and range, the turboprop sits in the middle, and the helicopter wins on access and landing versatility.
| Spec | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Pilatus PC-24 | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.34 | $ 3.71 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Pilatus | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | XLS+ | PC-24 | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1906 | 2076 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.67 | $ 0.62 | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 10 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 7540 | 6680 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,303 | $ 1,619 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 430 | 440 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,500,000 | $11,800,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Flight Rules | — | — | IFR |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | No |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | — |
| Jump Seat | No | No | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | MID |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 10 | — |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 | 9.3 | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 25230 | 23500 | 12600 |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 8644 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | PW545C | FJ44-4A-QPM | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 3600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 10 | ISA + 23 | ISA + 55 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 4119 | 3435 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Horsepower | — | — | 600 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 260 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 52.5 | 52.2 | 29.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 56.3 | 55.8 | 43.2 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.7 | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.5 | 5.6 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.7 | 5.1 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 18.5 | 23 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.2 | 17.4 | 11.3 |
| 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 | 20 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 165 |