Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Sikorsky S 92
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility airplane best suited to short, rugged routes and simple infrastructure. It typically carries about 9 passengers (up to roughly 14–19 in high‑density configurations) and offers moderate range generally around 900–1,200 nautical miles depending on payload and reserves. The Agusta/Leonardo AW189 is a medium twin‑engine helicopter oriented to offshore, SAR, and utility work. It commonly seats about 16–19 passengers and has a practical range on the order of 450–500 nautical miles, trading speed and range for vertical access. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light business jet designed for fast point‑to‑point travel, including operation from shorter or semi‑prepared runways. It typically carries 6–10 passengers and ranges about 1,800–2,000 nautical miles. The Sikorsky S‑92 is a large twin‑engine helicopter used for offshore transport and government missions. It often carries about 19 passengers and has range broadly similar to or slightly better than the AW189, commonly around 500 nautical miles, with strong payload and all‑weather capability.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Pilatus PC-24 | Sikorsky S-92 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.57 | $ 3.71 | $ 19.79 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | Pilatus | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | AW189 | PC-24 | S-92 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 651 | 2076 | 439 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.62 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 10 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,413 | $ 1,619 | $ 3,068 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 440 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,413,000 | $11,800,000 | $30,650,000 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 6680 | 7417 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 10 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 | 19 |
| Lavatory | — | 1 Enclosed Flushing | — |
| Crew Rest | — | No | — |
| Jump Seat | — | No | — |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes | — |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | — |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9.3 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Optional Refreshment Center | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 23500 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2E1 | FJ44-4A-QPM | CT7-8A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1983 | — | 2520 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 23 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 3435 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 760 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 57.8 | 52.2 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.6 | 17.4 | 17.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 395 | — | 775 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 85 | — | 140 |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 55.8 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5.6 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 5.1 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 23 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.8 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 17 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 90 | — |