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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.

SpecAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit2
DOC / nm$ 15.57
Min Crew1
Total Seats21
Flight RulesIFR
ManufacturerLeonardo
Aircraft NameAW189
CertificationFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)651
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.74
Max Cabin Seats19
OEM VerificationUn-Verified
Standard Cabin Seats19
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,413
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$2,413,000
Cabin
Cockpit2
Min Crew1
Total Seats21
Max Cabin Seats19
Standard Cabin Seats19
Engine
FADECYes
ModelCT7-2E1
Fuel TypeJetFuel
TBO (hrs)4000
Horsepower1983
No. of Engines2
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