Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Piaggio Avanti Evo vs Robinson R66
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop fixed‑wing utility aircraft, typically used for short to medium regional legs, with a practical range around 900–1,200 nm depending on load and reserves, and usually seats 9 passengers in commuter configuration (up to about 14 seats in higher‑density layouts). The Agusta/Leonardo AW189 is a twin‑engine medium helicopter optimized for offshore and SAR/EMS roles, offering roughly 450–550 nm of range in typical passenger mission profiles and commonly carrying about 16–19 passengers depending on fit and weight limits. The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a twin‑engine turboprop business aircraft, generally faster and longer‑ranged than the Caravan, with about 1,500–1,800 nm range and a typical cabin for 7–9 passengers. The Robinson R66 is a light single‑engine helicopter aimed at utility and private missions, with about 300–350 nm range and seating for a pilot plus up to 4 passengers (5 seats total).
| 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 |