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.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Sikorsky S-92 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.57 | $ 19.79 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | AW189 | S-92 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 651 | 439 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,413 | $ 3,068 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,413,000 | $30,650,000 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 7417 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2E1 | CT7-8A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1983 | 2520 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 760 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 57.8 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.6 | 17.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 395 | 775 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 85 | 140 |