Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Gulfstream G700 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility airplane designed for short, rugged routes; it typically carries about 9–14 passengers depending on configuration and has a range roughly around 900–1,200 nautical miles. The Gulfstream G700 is an ultra‑long‑range business jet optimized for nonstop intercontinental travel; it commonly seats around 13–19 in executive layouts (and can be configured higher) and offers about 7,500 nautical miles of range. The Leonardo AW189 is a medium twin‑engine helicopter aimed at offshore, SAR, and utility missions; it usually carries about 16–19 passengers with a practical range generally in the 450–500 nautical mile class depending on payload and reserves. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a light twin helicopter used for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate shuttle; it typically carries about 6–8 passengers with a range roughly around 300–400 nautical miles. Overall, the G700 dominates range and cruise efficiency, the Caravan emphasizes simplicity and payload flexibility, and the two helicopters trade speed and range for vertical lift and confined‑area access.
| Spec | Gulfstream G700 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 16 | 21 |
| Manufacturer | Gulfstream | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | G700 | AW189 |
| Certification | In Development | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 7500 | 651 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 19 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 516 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $78,000,000 | $2,413,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 15.57 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.74 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 2,413 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | Optional | — |
| Jump Seat | Yes | — |
| Total Seats | 16 | 21 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 19 |
| Engine | ||
| Model | Pearl 700 | CT7-2E1 |
| TBO (hrs) | On Condition | 4000 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 18250 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| FADEC | — | Yes |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel |
| Horsepower | — | 1983 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 109.9 | 57.8 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 103 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 8.2 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6.25 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 56.9 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 25.4 | 16.6 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 195 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 395 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 85 |