AIR.ONE

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.

SpecAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189Pilatus PC-24Piper M600 SLS
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 15.57$ 3.71$ 2.19
Min Crew111
Total Seats2166
Flight RulesIFR—IFR
ManufacturerLeonardoPilatusPiper
Aircraft NameAW189PC-24M600
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)65120761406
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.74$ 0.62$ 0.55
Max Cabin Seats1910—
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Standard Cabin Seats1964
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,413$ 1,619$ 603
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISPilatus ACE (Primus Apex)Garmin G3000
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)155440274
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$2,413,000$11,800,000$3,081,400
Useful Load (lbs)—66802200
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats2165
Max Cabin Seats1910—
Standard Cabin Seats1964
Lavatory—1 Enclosed FlushingNo
Crew Rest—No—
Jump Seat—No—
Cargo Door—Yes—
Galley Location—FWDMID
Lavatory Location—FWD—
Cabin Pressure (psi)—9.35.6
Galley / Refreshment—Optional Refreshment CenterRefreshment Centre
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)—2350012600
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)——8644
Engine
FADECYesYesNo
ModelCT7-2E1FJ44-4A-QPMPT6A-42A
Fuel TypeJetFuel——
TBO (hrs)400050003600
Horsepower1983—600
No. of Engines221
Flat Rating—ISA + 23ISA + 55
Thrust (lbs)—3435—
Fuel Capacity (gal)——260
Dimensions
Length (ft)57.852.229.7
Overall Height (ft)16.617.411.3
Rotor Diameter (ft)48——
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)395—165
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)85——
Wingspan (ft)—55.843.2
Aisle Step (ft)—Flat Floor—
Cabin Width (ft)—5.64.1
Cabin Height (ft)—5.14
Cabin Length (ft)—2312.3
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)—3.8—
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)—17—
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)—9020