Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Sikorsky S 92
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine, fixed‑wing turboprop utility aircraft, typically used for short‑to‑medium regional hops and remote airstrip operations. It generally carries around 9 to 14 passengers depending on configuration, and its practical range is commonly on the order of roughly 900 to 1,200 nautical miles, with payload and conditions driving the exact figure. The Agusta/Leonardo AW189 is a twin‑engine, medium‑class helicopter aimed at offshore, SAR, and utility missions. It usually seats about 16 to 19 passengers, and typical mission ranges are roughly 450 to 550 nautical miles, again varying with reserves and load. The Sikorsky S‑92 is a larger twin‑engine heavy/medium helicopter widely used for offshore transport and SAR. It commonly carries about 19 passengers, and its typical range is in a similar band, often around 500 to 600 nautical miles depending on configuration. Overall, the Caravan tends to offer longer point‑to‑point range and lower operating complexity where runways exist, while the AW189 and S‑92 trade range for vertical‑lift flexibility and overwater/offshore capability, with the S‑92 generally offering the most cabin volume in this set.
| 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 |