Dassault Falcon 8x vs Embraer Legacy 650 E vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Dassault Falcon 8X is an ultra‑long‑range business jet optimized for intercontinental travel, with roughly 6,400 nautical miles of range and typically seating about 12–16 passengers depending on cabin layout. The Embraer Legacy 650E is a large‑cabin long‑range business jet with a shorter but still transoceanic capability of about 3,900 nautical miles, usually configured for around 13 passengers. In contrast, the Agusta/Leonardo AW189 is a super‑medium twin helicopter aimed at offshore transport, SAR, and utility missions; its practical range is in the several-hundred‑nautical‑mile class (commonly around 450–500 nm depending on payload and reserves) and it typically carries about 16–19 passengers in high‑density seating. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) MD 902 Explorer is a light twin helicopter for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate shuttle work; its range is also several hundred nautical miles (often around 300–350 nm) and it generally carries about 8–10 passengers in typical configurations. Overall, the jets prioritize speed and long distance, while the helicopters trade range for vertical access and short‑to‑medium legs.
| Spec | Dassault Falcon 8X | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.66 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 17 | 21 |
| Manufacturer | Dassault Falcon | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 8X | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 6450 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.64 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 36900 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 14 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,805 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Honeywell Primus EASy II | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 516 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 62,500,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — |
| Jump Seat | Yes | — |
| Total Seats | 17 | 21 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 19 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 10.2 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 14 | 19 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 29200 | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | 3900 | — |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW307D | CT7-2E1 |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 4000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 17 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | 6722 | — |
| No. of Engines | 3 | 2 |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel |
| Horsepower | — | 1983 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 80.2 | 57.8 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 86.3 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.7 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6.2 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 42.7 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 26.1 | 16.6 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 1695 | 395 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.3 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 29.2 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 140 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 48 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 85 |