Enstrom 480b vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piaggio Avanti Evo vs Robinson R66
The Enstrom 480B and Robinson R66 are light single‑engine helicopters aimed at utility, training, and short‑range transport. In category, both are rotorcraft suited to point‑to‑point access in confined areas, but the R66 is a turbine helicopter while the 480B is typically piston‑powered, which tends to favor lower operating costs over outright speed. Range for both is generally in the few‑hundred‑nautical‑mile class, with the R66 commonly offering somewhat longer legs depending on configuration. Passenger capacity is similar: each is usually operated with one pilot plus up to four passengers. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a larger turbine helicopter in a higher utility class, notable for its NOTAR anti‑torque system. It typically carries more people than the 480B/R66 class, commonly accommodating one or two pilots plus up to six or seven passengers, and offers comparable or moderately greater range depending on fuel fit. The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a fixed‑wing turboprop aircraft rather than a helicopter, optimized for speed and efficient regional travel. It generally has the longest range of the four and typically seats around six to eight passengers, but it requires runway operations rather than vertical access.
| Spec | Piaggio Avanti EVO |
|---|---|
| Summary | |
| Cockpit | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Piaggio |
| Aircraft Name | Avanti EVO |
| Certification | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1530 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3775 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 400 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 7,695,000 |
| Cabin | |
| Cockpit | 2 |
| Lavatory | No |
| Min Crew | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24000 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | 6600 |
| Engine | |
| FADEC | Yes |
| Model | PT6A–66B |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 850 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 28 |
| No. of Engines | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 100 |
| Dimensions | |
| Length (ft) | 47.3 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 47.1 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 6.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.8 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 14.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.5 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 35.2 |