Cessna Citation Xls vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Citation XLS+ and Pilatus PC-24 are light business jets, while the Leonardo AW189 and MD Helicopters 902 Explorer are twin‑engine helicopters, typically used for offshore, EMS, utility, or corporate rotorcraft missions. For range, the jets generally fly much farther and faster: the Citation XLS+ is roughly in the ~2,000‑nautical‑mile class, and the PC‑24 is typically longer‑legged at about ~2,000+ nautical miles depending on configuration. The AW189’s practical range is usually in the several‑hundred‑nautical‑mile class (often around ~450–500 nm, mission dependent), while the MD 902 is shorter still, commonly a few hundred nautical miles (often ~300–400 nm). In passenger capacity, the Citation XLS+ is commonly arranged for about 7–9 passengers, and the PC‑24 typically seats around 6–10 in executive layouts. The AW189 is substantially larger for cabin volume, often configured for around 16–19 passengers in transport roles (or fewer for VIP/EMS). The MD 902 is smaller, commonly carrying about 5–7 passengers plus pilot(s), depending on interior and mission equipment.
| Spec | Cessna Citation XLS+ | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.34 | $ 15.57 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Leonardo | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | XLS+ | AW189 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1906 | 651 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.67 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 19 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 7540 | — | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,303 | $ 2,413 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | EFIS | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 430 | 155 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,500,000 | $2,413,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | — | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — | No |
| Jump Seat | No | — | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 19 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | — | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 | — | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | — | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 25230 | — | 23500 |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW545C | CT7-2E1 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 10 | — | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 4119 | — | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel | — |
| Horsepower | — | 1983 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 52.5 | 57.8 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 56.3 | — | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.7 | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.5 | — | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.7 | — | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 18.5 | — | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.2 | 16.6 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.9 | — | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.3 | — | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 80 | 85 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 10 | — | 90 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 48 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 395 | — |