Gulfstream G700 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Sikorsky S 92
The Gulfstream G700 is a long‑range business jet, optimized for intercontinental travel. It typically offers the greatest range of the group (around 7,000–7,500 nautical miles depending on configuration) and carries roughly 10–19 passengers in a high‑comfort cabin, making it best suited to nonstop city‑pair missions rather than short‑hop utility work. The Leonardo AW189 is a super‑medium twin helicopter aimed at offshore transport, SAR, and utility. Its range is far shorter than the G700 (often on the order of ~400–500 nautical miles with reserves, mission‑dependent) and it usually accommodates about 16–19 passengers in an airline‑style layout. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) MD 902 Explorer is a light twin helicopter focused on EMS, law enforcement, and corporate/utility roles. It generally carries fewer people (commonly 6–8) and has a shorter range (roughly ~250–350 nautical miles, depending on fuel and payload). The Sikorsky S‑92 is a larger heavy helicopter widely used offshore and for SAR/VIP. It typically carries about 19 passengers and offers range broadly similar to or somewhat greater than the AW189 (often ~450–600 nautical miles, mission‑dependent), prioritizing lift and safety over jet‑like distance.
| Spec | Gulfstream G700 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Sikorsky S-92 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 16 | 21 | 21 |
| Manufacturer | Gulfstream | Leonardo | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | G700 | AW189 | S-92 |
| Certification | In Development | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 7500 | 651 | 439 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 19 | 19 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 516 | 155 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $78,000,000 | $2,413,000 | $30,650,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 15.57 | $ 19.79 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR | IFR |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.74 | $ 0.94 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 2,413 | $ 3,068 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | — | 7417 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | Optional | — | — |
| Jump Seat | Yes | — | — |
| Total Seats | 16 | 21 | 21 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 | 19 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 19 | 19 |
| Engine | |||
| Model | Pearl 700 | CT7-2E1 | CT7-8A |
| TBO (hrs) | On Condition | 4000 | 4000 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 18250 | — | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| FADEC | — | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| Horsepower | — | 1983 | 2520 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 760 |
| 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 | 17.8 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 195 | — | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 48 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 395 | 775 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 85 | 140 |