Enstrom 480b vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Sikorsky S 92
The Enstrom 480B is a light, piston-powered single-engine helicopter suited to training and short utility missions; it offers the shortest range in this group and typically carries about four passengers plus a pilot. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a light twin-engine aircraft commonly used for law enforcement, EMS support, and corporate shuttles; it generally provides more range and speed than the 480B and typically seats around five to seven passengers plus crew, depending on interior. The Leonardo (Agusta) AW189 is a super‑medium twin designed for offshore transport and SAR; it has substantially greater range than the two light helicopters and commonly carries roughly 16 to 19 passengers in high-density configurations (or fewer in executive/EMS layouts). The Sikorsky S‑92 is a heavy twin built for offshore and long-range utility/SAR; it is the largest here, with the longest typical range and payload capability, and usually seats about 19 passengers in offshore configuration (with alternative layouts possible).
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Sikorsky S-92 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.57 | $ 19.79 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | AW189 | S-92 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 651 | 439 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,413 | $ 3,068 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,413,000 | $30,650,000 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 7417 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2E1 | CT7-8A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1983 | 2520 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 760 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 57.8 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.6 | 17.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 395 | 775 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 85 | 140 |