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.
| 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 |