Dassault Falcon 8x vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Dassault Falcon 8X and Pilatus PC-24 are both fixed‑wing business jets, while the MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine light utility helicopter. In range, the Falcon 8X is the long‑haul choice, typically around 6,450 nautical miles, aimed at intercontinental missions. The PC-24 is a “super versatile” light/midsize jet with a much shorter but still substantial range of roughly 2,000 nautical miles, optimized for regional trips and operation from shorter or semi‑prepared runways. The 902 Explorer’s range is far lower than either jet—on the order of about 300 to 400 nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves—reflecting rotorcraft mission profiles like point‑to‑point access and hovering rather than long cruise. For passenger capacity, the Falcon 8X commonly seats about 12 to 16 in executive layouts. The PC-24 is typically arranged for about 6 to 10 passengers. The 902 Explorer generally carries about 7 to 9 occupants including the pilot(s), depending on interior and mission equipment.
| Spec | Dassault Falcon 8X | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.66 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 17 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Dassault Falcon | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | 8X | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 6450 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.64 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 36900 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 14 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,805 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Honeywell Primus EASy II | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 516 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 62,500,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No |
| Total Seats | 17 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 16 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 10.2 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 14 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 29200 | 23500 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | 3900 | — |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW307D | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 17 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 6722 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 3 | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 80.2 | 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 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 1695 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.3 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 29.2 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 140 | 90 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor |