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Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Robinson R66 vs Sikorsky S 92

The Leonardo AW189 and Sikorsky S‑92 sit in the medium, twin‑engine transport category, aimed at offshore, SAR, and utility missions. Both offer long legs and strong payload, but the S‑92 is the larger, heavier‑lift option with the greatest cabin volume and typically the highest passenger capacity. The AW189 is slightly smaller and commonly configured for fewer passengers than an S‑92, while still providing solid range for offshore sectors. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) MD‑902 Explorer is a light twin, notable for its NOTAR anti‑torque system, generally used for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate/utility work. Its range and passenger capacity are typically below the AW189 and S‑92, but it retains twin‑engine redundancy in a lighter class. The Robinson R66 is a light single‑engine turbine helicopter, usually the smallest and least expensive to operate of this group. It carries the fewest passengers and has the shortest typical range compared with the twins, making it best suited to shorter onshore, training, and private/utility missions rather than heavy transport.

SpecAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189Sikorsky S-92
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 15.57$ 19.79
Min Crew12
Total Seats2121
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerLeonardoSikorsky
Aircraft NameAW189S-92
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)651439
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.74$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats1919
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Standard Cabin Seats1919
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,413$ 3,068
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)155155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$2,413,000 $30,650,000
Useful Load (lbs)7417
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew12
Total Seats2121
Max Cabin Seats1919
Standard Cabin Seats1919
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelCT7-2E1CT7-8A
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40004000
Horsepower19832520
No. of Engines21
Fuel Capacity (gal)760
Dimensions
Length (ft)57.8
Overall Height (ft)16.617.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)48
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)395775
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)85140