Enstrom 480b vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Sikorsky S 92
The Enstrom 480B is a light, single‑engine piston helicopter typically used for training, patrol, and utility work. It sits in the smallest category here, with short-to-moderate range suited to local missions, and it generally carries a small group: one pilot plus up to four passengers (about five seats total depending on configuration). The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a light twin‑engine turbine helicopter positioned a step up for commercial and public‑service roles. It offers greater range than the 480B and more payload flexibility, and it is commonly configured for one or two pilots with up to six or seven passengers (often around eight or nine seats total, depending on layout and mission equipment). The Sikorsky S‑92 is a heavy, twin‑engine helicopter designed for offshore transport, search and rescue, and high‑capacity corporate/VIP or utility operations. It has the longest range among the three and the highest passenger capacity, typically carrying two crew with roughly 19 passengers in standard transport seating, with layouts varying by operator and mission.
| Spec | Sikorsky S-92 |
|---|---|
| Summary | |
| Cockpit | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 19.79 |
| Min Crew | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | S-92 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 439 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 7417 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,068 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $30,650,000 |
| Cabin | |
| Cockpit | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 |
| Engine | |
| FADEC | Yes |
| Model | CT7-8A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 2520 |
| No. of Engines | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 760 |
| Dimensions | |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.8 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 775 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 140 |