Dassault Falcon 8x vs Enstrom 480b vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Dassault Falcon 8X is a long‑range, large‑cabin business jet aimed at intercontinental missions. It typically carries about 12–16 passengers in executive layouts (certified for more) and offers roughly 6,400 nautical miles of range, making it suited to nonstop city pairs that would be impossible for light helicopters. The Enstrom 480B is a single‑engine piston utility helicopter used for training, patrol, and short‑hop transport. It generally seats 4–5 people including the pilot and has a typical range on the order of about 300 nautical miles, emphasizing low operating complexity and short‑range flexibility rather than speed or distance. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) MD 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine light helicopter designed for missions such as EMS, law enforcement, and corporate shuttle. It commonly carries about 6–8 occupants depending on configuration and has a typical range around 300–350 nautical miles. Compared with the Enstrom, it offers more power, redundancy, and cabin/missions versatility, but it remains a short‑range aircraft next to the Falcon 8X.
| Spec | Dassault Falcon 8X |
|---|---|
| Summary | |
| Cockpit | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.66 |
| Min Crew | 2 |
| Total Seats | 17 |
| Manufacturer | Dassault Falcon |
| Aircraft Name | 8X |
| Certification | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 6450 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.64 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 36900 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 14 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,805 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Honeywell Primus EASy II |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 516 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 62,500,000 |
| Cabin | |
| Cockpit | 3 |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes |
| Total Seats | 17 |
| Galley Location | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 10.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 14 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 29200 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | 3900 |
| Engine | |
| FADEC | Yes |
| Model | PW307D |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 6722 |
| No. of Engines | 3 |
| Dimensions | |
| Length (ft) | 80.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 86.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.7 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6.2 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 42.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 26.1 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 1695 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.3 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 29.2 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 140 |