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.
| Spec | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|
| Summary | |
| Cockpit | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.55 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,081,400 |
| Cabin | |
| Cockpit | 2 |
| Lavatory | No |
| Min Crew | 1 |
| Total Seats | 5 |
| Galley Location | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | 8644 |
| Engine | |
| FADEC | No |
| Model | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 55 |
| No. of Engines | 1 |
| 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 |