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Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piaggio Avanti Evo

The Leonardo (Agusta) AW189 and the MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) MD 902 Explorer are both rotorcraft, but they sit in different utility classes. The AW189 is a larger twin‑engine medium helicopter typically used for offshore transport, SAR, and utility missions. It generally offers longer reach, with typical ranges on the order of roughly 450–500+ nautical miles depending on fit and reserves, and it can carry a larger cabin load, commonly around 16–19 passengers in high‑density layouts. The MD 902 Explorer is a lighter twin‑engine helicopter aimed at EMS, law enforcement, and corporate/utility roles; it usually trades range and cabin volume for agility and lower operating footprint, with typical range roughly around 300–350 nautical miles and passenger capacity commonly in the 6–8 range (configuration dependent). The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a fixed‑wing turboprop business aircraft rather than a helicopter. It is optimized for speed and efficient point‑to‑point travel, typically offering substantially more range than either helicopter (often around 1,200–1,500+ nautical miles) with seating commonly for 6–9 passengers.

SpecAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189Piaggio Avanti EVO
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 15.57
Min Crew11
Total Seats218
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerLeonardoPiaggio
Aircraft NameAW189Avanti EVO
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)6511530
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.74
Max Cabin Seats197
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Standard Cabin Seats196
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,413
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISRockwell Collins Pro Line 21
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)155400
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$2,413,000$ 7,695,000
Useful Load (lbs)3775
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats218
Max Cabin Seats197
Standard Cabin Seats196
LavatoryNo
Cabin Pressure (psi)9
Galley / RefreshmentNo
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)24000
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)6600
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelCT7-2E1PT6A–66B
Fuel TypeJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40003600
Horsepower1983850
No. of Engines22
Flat RatingISA + 28
Fuel Burn (gph)100
Dimensions
Length (ft)57.847.3
Overall Height (ft)16.613.1
Rotor Diameter (ft)48
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)395
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)85
Wingspan (ft)47.1
Cabin Width (ft)6.1
Cabin Height (ft)5.8
Cabin Length (ft)14.9
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.5
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)35.2