Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Enstrom 480b vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Sikorsky S 92
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop fixed‑wing utility aircraft, typically used for short‑to‑medium regional legs; it offers roughly 900–1,200 nm range depending on load and fit, and commonly seats about 9 passengers (up to higher-density configurations depending on regulations). The Enstrom 480B is a light single‑engine piston helicopter suited to short missions and training or utility work; its range is roughly 250–350 nm and it generally carries 4–5 occupants including the pilot. The Agusta/Leonardo AW189 is a super‑medium twin‑engine helicopter optimized for offshore and SAR; it typically ranges about 450–600 nm and commonly carries around 16–19 passengers in transport layouts. The Sikorsky S‑92 is a heavy twin‑engine helicopter focused on offshore and corporate/VIP or SAR roles; typical range is about 500–600+ nm and it usually seats around 19 passengers (with higher-capacity layouts possible). Overall, the Caravan leads on range-per-cost and runway-based efficiency, while the AW189 and S‑92 provide vertical access with higher passenger lift; the 480B is smallest, shortest‑range, and lowest capacity.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Sikorsky S-92 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.57 | $ 19.79 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | AW189 | S-92 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 651 | 439 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,413 | $ 3,068 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,413,000 | $30,650,000 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 7417 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2E1 | CT7-8A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1983 | 2520 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 760 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 57.8 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.6 | 17.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 395 | 775 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 85 | 140 |