Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piaggio Avanti Evo vs Piper M600 Sls
The Leonardo AW189 is a twin‑engine medium helicopter designed for offshore transport, search and rescue, and utility work; it typically carries around 16–19 passengers (depending on configuration) and offers roughly a 450–500 nautical mile class range. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a lighter twin‑engine helicopter aimed at EMS, law enforcement, and corporate missions; it usually seats about 8–10 occupants and has a shorter, roughly 300–350 nautical mile class range. By contrast, the Piaggio Avanti EVO is a twin‑turboprop pressurized business aircraft in the light executive category; it commonly carries 6–9 passengers and delivers a much longer range, roughly in the 1,500–1,800 nautical mile class. The Piper M600 SLS is a single‑engine turboprop personal/business aircraft; it typically seats 5–6 passengers and offers about a 1,400–1,600 nautical mile class range. Overall, the helicopters trade speed and range for vertical access and mission flexibility, while the Avanti EVO and M600 SLS prioritize point‑to‑point efficiency and longer legs from runways.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Piaggio Avanti EVO | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.57 | — | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 8 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | Piaggio | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | AW189 | Avanti EVO | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 651 | 1530 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | — | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 7 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,413 | — | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 400 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,413,000 | $ 7,695,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 3775 | 2200 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 8 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 7 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 | 4 |
| Lavatory | — | No | No |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9 | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | No | Refreshment Centre |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 24000 | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 6600 | 8644 |
| Galley Location | — | — | MID |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | CT7-2E1 | PT6A–66B | PT6A-42A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3600 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 1983 | 850 | 600 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 28 | ISA + 55 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 100 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 260 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 57.8 | 47.3 | 29.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.6 | 13.1 | 11.3 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 395 | — | 165 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 85 | — | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 47.1 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 6.1 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 5.8 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 14.9 | 12.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 35.2 | 20 |