Leonardo Aw189 vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Robinson R66 vs Sikorsky S 92
The Agusta/Leonardo AW189 and Sikorsky S‑92 are medium twin helicopters aimed at offshore, SAR, and utility work. Both carry roughly 16–19 passengers in typical layouts, with the S‑92 generally at the higher end and offering stronger all‑weather, long‑range mission capability. The AW189 is slightly smaller and often optimized for efficient offshore transport, with typical range on the order of about 450–500 nautical miles depending on fit. The Robinson R66 is a light single turbine helicopter for low-cost utility and private missions. It typically seats up to 5 (including the pilot) and has a much shorter range, roughly around 300 nautical miles, making it best for local and regional flights rather than long-haul transport. The Pilatus PC‑24 is the outlier: a twin‑engine fixed‑wing light business jet, not a helicopter. It trades vertical lift for speed and longer legs, typically seating about 6–10 passengers and offering roughly 1,800–2,000 nautical miles of range, making it the best choice here for fast point‑to‑point regional travel.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Pilatus PC-24 | Sikorsky S-92 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.57 | $ 3.71 | $ 19.79 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | Pilatus | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | AW189 | PC-24 | S-92 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 651 | 2076 | 439 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.62 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 10 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,413 | $ 1,619 | $ 3,068 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 440 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,413,000 | $11,800,000 | $30,650,000 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 6680 | 7417 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 10 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 | 19 |
| 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 | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2E1 | FJ44-4A-QPM | CT7-8A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1983 | — | 2520 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 23 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 3435 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 760 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 57.8 | 52.2 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.6 | 17.4 | 17.8 |
| 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 | — |