AIR.ONE

Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Robinson R66

The Leonardo AW189 is a medium twin‑engine helicopter typically used for offshore transport, SAR, and utility work. It generally offers the longest helicopter range in this group at roughly 450–500 nautical miles, and commonly carries about 16–19 passengers depending on layout. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a lighter twin‑engine helicopter aimed at law enforcement, EMS, and corporate missions; its range is usually around 300–350 nautical miles, with passenger capacity typically about 5–7. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a twin‑engine business jet rather than a helicopter, optimized for fast point‑to‑point travel; it has by far the greatest range here at about 2,000 nautical miles, with typical seating around 6–10 passengers (higher in commuter layouts). The Robinson R66 is a light single‑engine helicopter suited to private, training, and light utility roles; it usually ranges around 300 nautical miles and seats about 4–5 including the pilot.

SpecAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189Pilatus PC-24
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 15.57$ 3.71
Min Crew11
Total Seats216
Flight RulesIFR
ManufacturerLeonardoPilatus
Aircraft NameAW189PC-24
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)6512076
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.74$ 0.62
Max Cabin Seats1910
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Standard Cabin Seats196
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,413$ 1,619
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISPilatus ACE (Primus Apex)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)155440
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$2,413,000$11,800,000
Useful Load (lbs)6680
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats216
Max Cabin Seats1910
Standard Cabin Seats196
Lavatory1 Enclosed Flushing
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatNo
Cargo DoorYes
Galley LocationFWD
Lavatory LocationFWD
Cabin Pressure (psi)9.3
Galley / RefreshmentOptional Refreshment Center
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)23500
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelCT7-2E1FJ44-4A-QPM
Fuel TypeJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40005000
Horsepower1983
No. of Engines22
Flat RatingISA + 23
Thrust (lbs)3435
Dimensions
Length (ft)57.852.2
Overall Height (ft)16.617.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)48
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)395
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)85
Wingspan (ft)55.8
Aisle Step (ft)Flat Floor
Cabin Width (ft)5.6
Cabin Height (ft)5.1
Cabin Length (ft)23
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.8
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)17
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)90