Gulfstream G700 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Gulfstream G700 is a long‑range, large‑cabin business jet designed primarily for intercontinental travel. It typically carries about 12 to 19 passengers in executive layouts and offers an advertised range around 7,500 nautical miles, making it suited to nonstop transoceanic missions at high cruise speeds and altitudes. The Leonardo (Agusta) AW189 is a super‑medium twin‑engine helicopter optimized for offshore, SAR, and utility/VIP roles. Passenger capacity is commonly in the mid‑teens depending on configuration (often up to around 16–19), but its range is far shorter than the G700—generally on the order of a few hundred nautical miles, varying with payload and reserves—trading speed and distance for vertical‑lift flexibility and access to confined landing sites. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a lighter twin‑engine helicopter aimed at corporate, public‑service, and law‑enforcement missions. It typically carries fewer passengers (often about 6–8) and has a shorter range than the AW189, also generally a few hundred nautical miles or less depending on fit, emphasizing agility and lower operating footprint over capacity and endurance.
| Spec | Gulfstream G700 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 16 | 21 |
| Manufacturer | Gulfstream | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | G700 | AW189 |
| Certification | In Development | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 7500 | 651 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 19 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 516 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $78,000,000 | $2,413,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 15.57 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.74 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 2,413 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | Optional | — |
| Jump Seat | Yes | — |
| Total Seats | 16 | 21 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 19 |
| Engine | ||
| Model | Pearl 700 | CT7-2E1 |
| TBO (hrs) | On Condition | 4000 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 18250 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| FADEC | — | Yes |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel |
| Horsepower | — | 1983 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 109.9 | 57.8 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 103 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 8.2 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6.25 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 56.9 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 25.4 | 16.6 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 195 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 395 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 85 |