Cessna Citation Xls vs Embraer Legacy 650 E vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize business jet optimized for short-to-medium missions, typically offering about 7–9 passengers and roughly 2,000 nautical miles of range, making it well suited to regional and transcontinental trips with efficient operating economics. The Embraer Legacy 650E is a large-cabin, long-range business jet with higher comfort and capacity, commonly configured for about 13–14 passengers and able to fly around 3,900 nautical miles, positioning it for longer nonstop intercity or international legs. The Agusta/Leonardo AW189 is a super-medium twin-engine helicopter designed for offshore, SAR, and executive transport; it generally carries about 16–19 passengers depending on configuration, but its range is much shorter than jets at roughly 450–500 nautical miles. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a light twin helicopter aimed at utility, law enforcement, and short-haul passenger missions; it typically seats about 6–8 passengers with a range around 300–350 nautical miles. Overall, the jets dominate range and cruise speed, while the helicopters trade endurance for vertical access and point-to-point flexibility.
| Spec | Cessna Citation XLS+ | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.34 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | XLS+ | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1906 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.67 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 7540 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,303 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 430 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,500,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — |
| Jump Seat | No | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 19 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 25230 | — |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW545C | CT7-2E1 |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 10 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | 4119 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel |
| Horsepower | — | 1983 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 52.5 | 57.8 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 56.3 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.7 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.7 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 18.5 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.2 | 16.6 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.9 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.3 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 80 | 85 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 10 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 395 |