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Enstrom 480b vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piper M600 Sls vs Robinson R66

The Enstrom 480B and Robinson R66 are turbine single‑engine helicopters suited to short‑to‑medium utility and passenger missions. The 480B is typically configured for about five seats and has a moderate range on the order of a few hundred nautical miles, generally similar to other light turbines but often less than larger cabin types. The R66 is also commonly a five‑seat helicopter (pilot plus four) and tends to offer slightly longer legs than many comparable light helicopters, typically a few hundred nautical miles, depending on reserves and configuration. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a turbine helicopter with a larger cabin and higher passenger potential, commonly seating around seven to eight, and it generally offers a comparable or somewhat better practical range than the smaller two, again in the several‑hundred‑nautical‑mile class depending on mission fit. The Piper M600 SLS is a single‑engine turboprop airplane rather than a helicopter; it trades vertical‑lift capability for markedly greater point‑to‑point range and speed. It typically seats up to six and commonly delivers well over 1,000 nautical miles of range in cruise profiles, making it the clear leader in range among these four.

SpecPiper M600 SLS
Summary
Cockpit2
DOC / nm$ 2.19
Min Crew1
Total Seats6
Flight RulesIFR
ManufacturerPiper
Aircraft NameM600
CertificationFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)1406
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.55
OEM VerificationVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)2200
Standard Cabin Seats4
Direct Operating Cost$ 603
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G3000
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)274
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,081,400
Cabin
Cockpit2
LavatoryNo
Min Crew1
Total Seats5
Galley LocationMID
Cabin Pressure (psi)5.6
Galley / RefreshmentRefreshment Centre
Standard Cabin Seats4
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)12600
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)8644
Engine
FADECNo
ModelPT6A-42A
TBO (hrs)3600
Horsepower600
Flat RatingISA + 55
No. of Engines1
Fuel Capacity (gal)260
Dimensions
Length (ft)29.7
Wingspan (ft)43.2
Cabin Width (ft)4.1
Cabin Height (ft)4
Cabin Length (ft)12.3
Overall Height (ft)11.3
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)165
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)20