Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piper M600 Sls vs Robinson R66

The Leonardo AW189 and the MD Helicopters 902 Explorer are twin‑engine helicopters, while the Robinson R66 is a single‑engine helicopter and the Piper M600 SLS is a single‑engine fixed‑wing turboprop airplane. In passenger-carrying terms, the AW189 is the highest-capacity option, typically configured around 16–19 seats depending on layout, and is aimed at offshore, SAR, and utility missions. The 902 Explorer generally carries about 8–10 occupants (including pilots), making it a mid-size twin suited to corporate, EMS, and utility roles. The R66 is much smaller, typically carrying a pilot plus up to 4 passengers (about 5 total), and is commonly used for private, training, and light utility work. For range, the Piper M600 SLS generally offers the longest legs among these aircraft (roughly on the order of 1,000+ nautical miles depending on reserves and conditions), while the helicopters are shorter-legged: the AW189 typically sits in the several-hundred‑nautical‑mile class (often around 450–500 nm), the 902 Explorer is similar but commonly somewhat less, and the R66 is usually in the ~300+ nm range. Actual figures vary by equipment, payload, and fuel configuration.