Dassault Falcon 8x vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Dassault Falcon 8X and Pilatus PC-24 are business jets, while the Leonardo AW189 and MD Helicopters 902 Explorer are helicopters, so their range and capacity reflect very different mission profiles. The Falcon 8X is a long-range, large-cabin intercontinental jet, typically carrying about 12–16 passengers and offering roughly 6,400 nautical miles of range, making it best for nonstop transoceanic trips. The Pilatus PC-24 is a versatile “super versatile jet” aimed at shorter missions and mixed-use operations, typically seating about 6–10 passengers with around 2,000 nautical miles of range, trading nonstop reach for flexibility (including operation from shorter runways). The Leonardo AW189 is a medium, twin-engine helicopter commonly configured around 12–16 passengers with a practical range on the order of 450–500 nautical miles, optimized for offshore transport and utility roles rather than long-distance travel. The MD 902 Explorer is a lighter twin-engine helicopter, typically carrying about 6–8 passengers with roughly 300–400 nautical miles of range, suited to short hops, EMS, and urban operations.
| Spec | Dassault Falcon 8X | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.66 | $ 15.57 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 17 | 21 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Dassault Falcon | Leonardo | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | 8X | AW189 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 6450 | 651 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.64 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 19 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 36900 | — | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 14 | 19 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,805 | $ 2,413 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Honeywell Primus EASy II | EFIS | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 516 | 155 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 62,500,000 | $2,413,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | — | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | — | No |
| Total Seats | 17 | 21 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 19 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | — | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 10.2 | — | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | — | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 14 | 19 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 29200 | — | 23500 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | 3900 | — | — |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW307D | CT7-2E1 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 4000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 17 | — | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 6722 | — | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel | — |
| Horsepower | — | 1983 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 80.2 | 57.8 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 86.3 | — | 55.8 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.7 | — | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6.2 | — | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 42.7 | — | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 26.1 | 16.6 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 1695 | 395 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.3 | — | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 29.2 | — | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 140 | — | 90 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 48 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 85 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | — | Flat Floor |