AIR.ONE

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.

SpecAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit2
DOC / nm$ 15.57
Min Crew1
Total Seats21
Flight RulesIFR
ManufacturerLeonardo
Aircraft NameAW189
CertificationFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)651
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.74
Max Cabin Seats19
OEM VerificationUn-Verified
Standard Cabin Seats19
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,413
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$2,413,000
Cabin
Cockpit2
Min Crew1
Total Seats21
Max Cabin Seats19
Standard Cabin Seats19
Engine
FADECYes
ModelCT7-2E1
Fuel TypeJetFuel
TBO (hrs)4000
Horsepower1983
No. of Engines2
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