Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Piper M600 Sls
The Leonardo AW189 is a twin‑engine medium helicopter typically used for offshore transport and SAR; it trades speed and range for vertical access, usually carrying around 16–19 passengers with an overall range roughly in the 450–500 nautical mile class depending on fit and reserves. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a lighter twin‑engine helicopter aimed at EMS, police, and utility work; it generally carries about 6–8 occupants and has a shorter range, commonly around 250–350 nautical miles. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a twin‑engine light business jet designed for fast point‑to‑point travel and short/rough‑field capability; it typically seats 6–10 passengers and offers about 1,900–2,000 nautical miles of range. The Piper M600 SLS is a single‑engine turboprop personal/corporate aircraft; it usually carries 5–6 passengers (up to 7 seats including pilot) and delivers roughly 1,200–1,500 nautical miles of range, prioritizing efficiency and simpler operations over jet speed and cabin volume.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Pilatus PC-24 | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.57 | $ 3.71 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | Pilatus | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | AW189 | PC-24 | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 651 | 2076 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.62 | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 10 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,413 | $ 1,619 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 440 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,413,000 | $11,800,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 6680 | 2200 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 10 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 | 4 |
| Lavatory | — | 1 Enclosed Flushing | No |
| Crew Rest | — | No | — |
| Jump Seat | — | No | — |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes | — |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | MID |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9.3 | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Optional Refreshment Center | Refreshment Centre |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 23500 | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 8644 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | CT7-2E1 | FJ44-4A-QPM | PT6A-42A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 1983 | — | 600 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 23 | ISA + 55 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 3435 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 260 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 57.8 | 52.2 | 29.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.6 | 17.4 | 11.3 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 395 | — | 165 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 85 | — | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 55.8 | 43.2 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5.6 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 5.1 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 23 | 12.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.8 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 17 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 90 | 20 |