Dassault Falcon 8x vs Enstrom 480b vs Leonardo Aw189
The Dassault Falcon 8X is a long‑range, large‑cabin business jet optimized for fast point‑to‑point travel between distant cities. It offers intercontinental range (about 6,450 nautical miles) and typically carries around 8 to 16 passengers depending on cabin layout, with the greatest comfort and baggage volume of the three. The Enstrom 480B is a light single‑engine piston helicopter aimed at short‑range utility, training, and local transport. Its range is roughly 200 to 250 nautical miles, and it usually accommodates about 4 to 5 occupants including the pilot, trading speed and endurance for simplicity and lower operating complexity. The Agusta/Leonardo AW189 is a larger twin‑engine medium helicopter designed for offshore, search‑and‑rescue, and corporate/VIP missions where vertical lift matters. It generally offers around 450 to 500 nautical miles of range (mission‑dependent) and can seat roughly 16 to 19 passengers in high‑density configurations, or fewer in VIP layouts. Overall, the Falcon 8X dominates range and cruise efficiency, the AW189 leads in lift and mission flexibility, and the 480B fits short, economical helicopter missions.
| 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 |