AIR.ONE

Beechcraft King Air 360 Er vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer

The Beechcraft King Air 360ER and Dassault Falcon 8X are fixed‑wing business aircraft, while the Leonardo AW189 and MD Helicopters 902 Explorer are helicopters oriented to vertical lift missions. In category, the King Air 360ER is a twin‑turboprop utility/business aircraft suited to short and regional legs, whereas the Falcon 8X is a long‑range tri‑jet business jet designed for intercontinental travel. The AW189 is a medium twin‑engine helicopter commonly used for offshore transport, SAR, and utility work, while the 902 Explorer is a lighter twin‑engine helicopter aimed at corporate, EMS, and law‑enforcement roles. On range, the Falcon 8X is the clear leader with roughly 6,000+ nautical miles capability, enabling nonstop long‑haul sectors. The King Air 360ER is a long‑leg turboprop but typically operates around the low‑to‑mid 1,000‑nautical‑mile class depending on payload and reserves. Helicopter ranges are much shorter: the AW189 is commonly in the ~450–500 nautical mile class, and the 902 Explorer is typically around ~300–400 nautical miles. For passengers, the Falcon 8X generally seats about 12–16, the King Air 360ER about 6–9, the AW189 up to about 16–19, and the 902 Explorer typically about 6–8.

SpecDassault Falcon 8XAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 7.66$ 15.57
Min Crew21
Total Seats1721
ManufacturerDassault FalconLeonardo
Aircraft Name8XAW189
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)6450651
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.64$ 0.74
Max Cabin Seats1619
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)36900
Standard Cabin Seats1419
Direct Operating Cost$ 3,805$ 2,413
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Honeywell Primus EASy IIEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)516155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 62,500,000$2,413,000
Flight RulesIFR
Cabin
Cockpit32
Lavatory2 Enclosed Flushing
Min Crew21
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatYes
Total Seats1721
Galley LocationFWD
Max Cabin Seats1619
Lavatory LocationFWD / AFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)10.2
Galley / RefreshmentGalley
Standard Cabin Seats1419
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)29200
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)3900
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelPW307DCT7-2E1
TBO (hrs)On-Condition4000
Flat RatingISA + 17
Thrust (lbs)6722
No. of Engines32
Fuel TypeJetFuel
Horsepower1983
Dimensions
Length (ft)80.257.8
Wingspan (ft)86.3
Cabin Width (ft)7.7
Cabin Height (ft)6.2
Cabin Length (ft)42.7
Overall Height (ft)26.116.6
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)1695395
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)6.3
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)29.2
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)140
Rotor Diameter (ft)48
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)85