Embraer Legacy 650 E vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piper M600 Sls
The Embraer Legacy 650E is a long-range business jet, optimized for fast intercity and intercontinental travel. It typically carries about 13 passengers in executive seating (up to around 14) and offers roughly 3,900 nautical miles of range, making it the clear choice when speed and distance matter most. The Leonardo AW189 is a medium twin-engine helicopter aimed at offshore, SAR, and utility/VIP missions. It generally seats about 16–19 passengers depending on configuration, but its range is far shorter than the jet, typically in the 450–500 nautical mile class, trading distance and speed for vertical access and hover capability. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a light twin helicopter used for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport. It usually carries around 6–8 occupants and has a range commonly around 300–400 nautical miles. The Piper M600 SLS is a single-engine turboprop airplane positioned as a personal/business aircraft. It typically seats 5–6 and offers about 1,400 nautical miles of range, bridging the gap between helicopters and the large-cabin jet for point-to-point regional travel.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.57 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | AW189 | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 651 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,413 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,413,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 2200 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 4 |
| Lavatory | — | No |
| Galley Location | — | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Refreshment Centre |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 8644 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | CT7-2E1 | PT6A-42A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 1983 | 600 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 55 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 260 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 57.8 | 29.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.6 | 11.3 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 395 | 165 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 85 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 12.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 20 |