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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.

SpecDassault Falcon 8X
Summary
Cockpit2
DOC / nm$ 7.66
Min Crew2
Total Seats17
ManufacturerDassault Falcon
Aircraft Name8X
CertificationFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)6450
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.64
Max Cabin Seats16
OEM VerificationVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)36900
Standard Cabin Seats14
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
Cockpit3
Lavatory2 Enclosed Flushing
Min Crew2
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatYes
Total Seats17
Galley LocationFWD
Max Cabin Seats16
Lavatory LocationFWD / AFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)10.2
Galley / RefreshmentGalley
Standard Cabin Seats14
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)29200
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)3900
Engine
FADECYes
ModelPW307D
TBO (hrs)On-Condition
Flat RatingISA + 17
Thrust (lbs)6722
No. of Engines3
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