Enstrom 480b vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Robinson R66
The Enstrom 480B is a light single‑engine piston helicopter aimed at training, utility, and personal transport. It typically carries a pilot plus up to four passengers and is best suited to shorter regional legs, with a moderate range that depends strongly on payload and reserves. The Robinson R66 is also a light single, but turbine‑powered, generally offering a similar passenger capacity (pilot plus four) with a somewhat stronger cross‑country profile and useful load, making it a common step‑up utility and owner‑operator aircraft. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a light twin‑engine helicopter designed for higher reliability and mission flexibility (law enforcement, EMS support, corporate). It commonly seats a pilot plus up to seven passengers (configuration dependent) and usually provides a longer practical range than the light singles. The Agusta/Leonardo AW189 sits in a different class entirely: a medium twin optimized for offshore, SAR, and high‑capacity transport. It typically carries two crew and a much larger passenger load (often around 16–19), with substantially greater range and endurance than the other three.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|
| Summary | |
| Cockpit | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,413,000 |
| Cabin | |
| Cockpit | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 |
| Engine | |
| FADEC | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 |
| Dimensions | |
| Length (ft) | 57.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 395 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 85 |