Cessna Grand Caravan Ex vs Daher Kodiak 100 Series Ii vs Viking Dhc 6 Twin Otter
The Cessna Grand Caravan EX, Daher Kodiak 100 Series III, and Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter are all utility turboprops, but they sit in different parts of the “workhorse” spectrum. The Grand Caravan EX is typically positioned as a versatile single-engine commuter and cargo aircraft, commonly used for short-to-medium regional sectors, with a practical range generally around 900–1,200 nautical miles depending on payload and reserves. It is usually configured for up to about 9–14 passengers, with many operators using 9–12 for comfort and baggage. The Kodiak 100 Series III is also a single-engine utility/STOL aircraft, optimized for rugged, short and unimproved strips, with a broadly similar short-to-medium mission profile and range often in the roughly 900–1,100 nautical mile class depending on configuration. Passenger capacity is commonly up to about 10, frequently operated around 8–10. The Twin Otter is a twin-engine STOL utility aircraft, prized for redundancy and extreme-field performance, typically carrying about 19 passengers in commuter layouts. Its range is generally shorter than the singles when heavily loaded, often around 700–900 nautical miles, though it varies widely by version and payload.
| Spec | Cessna Grand Caravan EX | Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.15 | $ 5.96 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Viking |
| Aircraft Name | Grand Caravan EX | DHC-6 Twin Otter |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 964 | 775 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.39 | $ 0.31 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3332 | 4425 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 614 | $ 1,084 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 195 | 182 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,695,000 | $7,150,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | Yes |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 19 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | Un-Pressurized |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | PT6A-140 | PT6A-34 |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 867 | 620 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 24 | ISA + 27 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 335 | 378 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 41.6 | 51.8 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 65 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 5 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 16.8 | 18.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.1 | 19.5 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | 88 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 384 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 4.4 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 35 |