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Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Enstrom 480b vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer

The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine fixed‑wing turboprop utility aircraft, typically offering the longest range of this group and the highest practical passenger capacity, commonly up to about 9 passengers in commuter seating (often more as seats or cargo depending on configuration), making it well suited to longer regional legs and bulk payloads. The Enstrom 480B is a light single‑engine piston helicopter, generally the shortest‑range option here and the smallest in capacity, usually around 4–5 occupants, aimed at training, patrol, and short utility missions rather than transport at scale. The Agusta/Leonardo AW189 is a modern medium twin‑engine helicopter with substantially greater range than light helicopters and a much larger cabin, commonly configured for roughly 16–19 passengers, aligning it with offshore and high‑end utility transport. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a light twin‑engine helicopter with range and capacity between the Enstrom and AW189, typically around 7–8 passengers, oriented toward EMS, law enforcement, and corporate/utility roles.

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