Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piaggio Avanti Evo
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop fixed‑wing utility aircraft, typically carrying about 9 passengers, with a practical range on the order of roughly 900–1,000 nautical miles depending on load and reserves; it’s optimized for short/rough strips and simple logistics. The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a twin‑engine turboprop business aircraft in a higher speed/comfort category, usually seating 6–9 passengers, with a longer typical range around 1,500–1,800 nautical miles, making it better suited to faster regional trips between paved airports. The Leonardo AW189 is a medium twin‑engine helicopter aimed at offshore and SAR/utility missions; passenger layouts commonly run about 16–19, with range typically around 450–500 nautical miles, trading speed and range for vertical access and hoist/cabin utility. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a light twin‑engine helicopter, generally configured for about 6–8 passengers, with a typical range around 300–350 nautical miles, emphasizing compact operations, patrol/EMS, and short‑hop transport.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Piaggio Avanti EVO |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.57 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | Piaggio |
| Aircraft Name | AW189 | Avanti EVO |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 651 | 1530 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 7 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,413 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 400 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,413,000 | $ 7,695,000 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 3775 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 7 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | No |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | No |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 24000 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 6600 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2E1 | PT6A–66B |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 1983 | 850 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 28 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 100 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 57.8 | 47.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.6 | 13.1 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 395 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 85 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 47.1 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 6.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 5.8 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 14.9 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.5 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 35.2 |