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Enstrom 480b vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piaggio Avanti Evo vs Piper M600 Sls

The Enstrom 480B and MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer are light turbine helicopters aimed at short-to-medium missions with vertical lift. The 480B is typically configured for about five seats and is best suited to shorter legs; the 902 Explorer is a larger, more powerful light twin with space for roughly eight to ten occupants depending on layout, generally offering greater useful cabin capacity and competitive helicopter range for utility, EMS, or corporate shuttle work. The Piaggio Avanti EVO and Piper M600 SLS are fixed‑wing turboprops optimized for speed and cross‑country efficiency. The Avanti EVO is a fast, pressurized twin‑turboprop business aircraft with a typical capacity around seven to nine passengers and a long range suited to regional and many intercity missions. The M600 SLS is a single‑engine, pressurized personal/business turboprop commonly seating about five to six passengers, with solid range for owner‑pilot travel but generally less cabin volume and typically less overall range than the Avanti EVO. Overall, helicopters trade speed and range for access and point‑to‑point flexibility, while the Avanti EVO leads in cruise speed and longer-range business travel, and the M600 SLS targets simpler, owner‑operated cross‑country flying.

SpecPiaggio Avanti EVOPiper M600 SLS
Summary
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats86
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerPiaggioPiper
Aircraft NameAvanti EVOM600
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)15301406
Max Cabin Seats7
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)37752200
Standard Cabin Seats64
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21Garmin G3000
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)400274
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 7,695,000$3,081,400
DOC / nm$ 2.19
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.55
Direct Operating Cost$ 603
Cabin
Cockpit22
LavatoryNoNo
Min Crew11
Total Seats85
Max Cabin Seats7
Cabin Pressure (psi)95.6
Galley / RefreshmentNoRefreshment Centre
Standard Cabin Seats64
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)2400012600
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)66008644
Galley LocationMID
Engine
FADECYesNo
ModelPT6A–66BPT6A-42A
TBO (hrs)36003600
Horsepower850600
Flat RatingISA + 28ISA + 55
No. of Engines21
Fuel Burn (gph)100
Fuel Capacity (gal)260
Dimensions
Length (ft)47.329.7
Wingspan (ft)47.143.2
Cabin Width (ft)6.14.1
Cabin Height (ft)5.84
Cabin Length (ft)14.912.3
Overall Height (ft)13.111.3
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.5
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)35.220
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)165