Beechcraft King Air 360 Er vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Beechcraft King Air 360ER is a fixed‑wing turboprop business aircraft, typically used for efficient point‑to‑point travel between airports. It generally offers the longest range of the three (roughly on the order of 1,500–2,000+ nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves) and usually carries about 6–9 passengers in an executive layout, trading vertical access for speed and range. The Leonardo AW189 is a super‑medium, twin‑engine helicopter oriented toward offshore, SAR, and utility missions. Its range is typically mid‑pack for this group (often several hundred nautical miles, commonly around 450–500 nm with reserves depending on payload and tanks) and it can seat a larger group, commonly up to around 16–19 passengers in high‑density transport layouts, with strong payload and overwater capability. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a lighter twin helicopter aimed at EMS, law enforcement, and corporate utility. It usually has the shortest range (often ~300–400 nm class) and the smallest cabin, commonly configured for about 5–8 passengers, but benefits from helicopter access and a compact footprint.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|
| Summary | |
| Cockpit | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,413,000 |
| Cabin | |
| Cockpit | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 |
| Engine | |
| FADEC | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 |
| Dimensions | |
| Length (ft) | 57.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 395 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 85 |