Beechcraft King Air 360 Er vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Beechcraft King Air 360ER is a twin‑turboprop airplane in the “large cabin turboprop” category, optimized for regional missions with very long endurance; it typically carries about 6–9 passengers and offers roughly 1,500–1,800 nautical miles of range depending on reserves, payload, and conditions. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a light/midsize business jet, faster and higher‑flying than the King Air, usually seating about 7–9 passengers with a typical range around 2,000–2,100 nautical miles. The Leonardo AW189 is a super‑medium twin helicopter aimed at offshore and utility transport; it commonly seats about 16–19 passengers in a high‑density layout (fewer in VIP), with range generally in the ~450–500 nautical mile class, mission‑equipped. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a light twin helicopter for corporate, law enforcement, and EMS roles; it typically carries about 6–8 passengers including crew, with range commonly around ~300–350 nautical miles. Overall, the jet leads in speed and point‑to‑point range, the King Air balances runway flexibility with long legs, and the helicopters trade range for vertical access and mission versatility.
| Spec | Cessna Citation XLS+ | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.34 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | XLS+ | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1906 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.67 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 7540 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,303 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 430 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,500,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — |
| Jump Seat | No | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 19 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 25230 | — |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW545C | CT7-2E1 |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 10 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | 4119 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel |
| Horsepower | — | 1983 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 52.5 | 57.8 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 56.3 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.7 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.7 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 18.5 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.2 | 16.6 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.9 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.3 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 80 | 85 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 10 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 395 |