Enstrom 480b vs Gulfstream G700 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Enstrom 480B and MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer are light single‑engine helicopters, typically used for training, patrol, utility, or light charter. They carry about four to five passengers (plus pilot) and have comparatively short legs; the 480B is roughly in the 300‑mile range class, while the 902 is generally in the mid‑300‑mile class depending on configuration and reserves. The Leonardo AW189 is a larger, twin‑engine medium helicopter aimed at offshore transport, SAR, and executive/VIP shuttle work. It carries far more people—commonly up to the mid‑teens in high‑density layouts (often around 16–19 seats depending on interior)—and offers a longer practical range typically around 500 miles class, again varying with payload and mission profile. The Gulfstream G700 is a long‑range business jet in a different category entirely, optimized for intercontinental travel. It carries a typical executive load of about 10–19 passengers and has a published range around 7,500 nautical miles, far exceeding any of the helicopters here.
| Spec | Gulfstream G700 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 16 | 21 |
| Manufacturer | Gulfstream | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | G700 | AW189 |
| Certification | In Development | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 7500 | 651 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 19 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 516 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $78,000,000 | $2,413,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 15.57 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.74 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 2,413 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | Optional | — |
| Jump Seat | Yes | — |
| Total Seats | 16 | 21 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 19 |
| Engine | ||
| Model | Pearl 700 | CT7-2E1 |
| TBO (hrs) | On Condition | 4000 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 18250 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| FADEC | — | Yes |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel |
| Horsepower | — | 1983 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 109.9 | 57.8 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 103 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 8.2 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6.25 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 56.9 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 25.4 | 16.6 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 195 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 395 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 85 |