Enstrom 480b vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Enstrom 480B and MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer are light single‑engine helicopters suited to short‑to‑medium missions. The 480B is typically configured for about five occupants including the pilot, with a range on the order of roughly 300–400 nautical miles depending on load and reserves. The 902 Explorer generally carries around five to six occupants, with a broadly similar short‑range profile (roughly 250–350 nautical miles), optimized for quick hops and urban access. The Agusta/Leonardo AW189 is a larger twin‑engine medium helicopter aimed at offshore, SAR, and utility work. It commonly seats around 16–19 passengers in a high‑density cabin (fewer in VIP/EMS layouts) and offers a longer mission radius than light singles, with typical range roughly in the 450–500+ nautical mile class depending on configuration. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a twin‑jet light business aircraft rather than a helicopter, trading vertical access for much higher cruise speed and longer range. It typically seats about 6–10 passengers and can fly roughly 1,900–2,000 nautical miles.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.57 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | AW189 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 651 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,413 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,413,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 6680 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | No |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Optional Refreshment Center |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 23500 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2E1 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 1983 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 3435 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 57.8 | 52.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.6 | 17.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 395 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 85 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 23 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 90 |