Cessna Grand Caravan Ex vs Daher Kodiak 100 Series Iii vs Viking Dhc 6 Twin Otter
In category, the Cessna Grand Caravan EX and the Daher Kodiak 100 Series III are both single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft commonly used for regional, charter, and rugged short/rough-field operations, while the Viking DHC‑6 Twin Otter is a twin‑engine turboprop designed around STOL performance and redundancy for remote, overwater, and high‑risk environments. For range, the Caravan EX typically offers the longest reach in many real‑world configurations, often around the 900–1,000+ nautical mile class depending on payload and reserves. The Kodiak 100 Series III is broadly comparable but is often considered slightly shorter‑legged in typical high‑payload utility missions, commonly in the roughly 800–1,000 nautical mile class. The Twin Otter’s range is usually lower in passenger/utility service, often in the roughly 700–900 nautical mile class, though it varies widely with tanks, payload, and mission profile. For passenger capacity, the Caravan EX is commonly configured for up to about 9–14 passengers, the Kodiak typically up to about 9–10, and the Twin Otter usually carries the most, commonly up to about 19 passengers.
| 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 |