AIR.ONE

Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Sikorsky S 92

The Leonardo (Agusta) AW189 and Sikorsky S-92 are medium twin-engine helicopters aimed at offshore, SAR, and utility transport, while the MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a much smaller light twin, and the Pilatus PC-24 is a twin‑engine fixed‑wing light jet designed for fast point‑to‑point travel, including from shorter or less‑prepared runways. In range terms, the PC-24 is in a different league, typically around 2,000 nautical miles class depending on payload and reserves. The S-92 and AW189 are broadly comparable medium-helo performers, commonly in the roughly 450–550 nautical mile class with reserves, with mission fit and payload driving the exact figure. The MD 902 generally sits shorter, often around 300–350 nautical miles. For passenger capacity, the S-92 is usually configured around 16–19 passengers, the AW189 typically around 16–18, the MD 902 commonly around 6–8, and the PC-24 generally seats about 6–10 in executive layouts (with higher-density options possible).

SpecAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189Pilatus PC-24Sikorsky S-92
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 15.57$ 3.71$ 19.79
Min Crew112
Total Seats21621
Flight RulesIFR—IFR
ManufacturerLeonardoPilatusSikorsky
Aircraft NameAW189PC-24S-92
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)6512076439
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.74$ 0.62$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats191019
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Standard Cabin Seats19619
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,413$ 1,619$ 3,068
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISPilatus ACE (Primus Apex)EFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)155440155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$2,413,000$11,800,000 $30,650,000
Useful Load (lbs)—66807417
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew112
Total Seats21621
Max Cabin Seats191019
Standard Cabin Seats19619
Lavatory—1 Enclosed Flushing—
Crew Rest—No—
Jump Seat—No—
Cargo Door—Yes—
Galley Location—FWD—
Lavatory Location—FWD—
Cabin Pressure (psi)—9.3—
Galley / Refreshment—Optional Refreshment Center—
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)—23500—
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelCT7-2E1FJ44-4A-QPMCT7-8A
Fuel TypeJetFuel—JetFuel
TBO (hrs)400050004000
Horsepower1983—2520
No. of Engines221
Flat Rating—ISA + 23—
Thrust (lbs)—3435—
Fuel Capacity (gal)——760
Dimensions
Length (ft)57.852.2—
Overall Height (ft)16.617.417.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)48——
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)395—775
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)85—140
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—