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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.

SpecDassault Falcon 8XAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189Pilatus PC-24
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 7.66$ 15.57$ 3.71
Min Crew211
Total Seats17216
ManufacturerDassault FalconLeonardoPilatus
Aircraft Name8XAW189PC-24
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)64506512076
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.64$ 0.74$ 0.62
Max Cabin Seats161910
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)36900—6680
Standard Cabin Seats14196
Direct Operating Cost$ 3,805$ 2,413$ 1,619
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Honeywell Primus EASy IIEFISPilatus ACE (Primus Apex)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)516155440
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 62,500,000$2,413,000$11,800,000
Flight Rules—IFR—
Cabin
Cockpit322
Lavatory2 Enclosed Flushing—1 Enclosed Flushing
Min Crew211
Crew RestNo—No
Jump SeatYes—No
Total Seats17216
Galley LocationFWD—FWD
Max Cabin Seats161910
Lavatory LocationFWD / AFT—FWD
Cabin Pressure (psi)10.2—9.3
Galley / RefreshmentGalley—Optional Refreshment Center
Standard Cabin Seats14196
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)29200—23500
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)3900——
Cargo Door——Yes
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelPW307DCT7-2E1FJ44-4A-QPM
TBO (hrs)On-Condition40005000
Flat RatingISA + 17—ISA + 23
Thrust (lbs)6722—3435
No. of Engines322
Fuel Type—JetFuel—
Horsepower—1983—
Dimensions
Length (ft)80.257.852.2
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)26.116.617.4
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)1695395—
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