Airbus Acj320 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer
The Airbus ACJ320 is a VIP-configured business airliner, fundamentally different from the three helicopters: it operates in the long-range, high-speed fixed‑wing category, typically offering the greatest range (often several thousand nautical miles depending on fit) and the highest passenger capacity, commonly arranged for roughly 19–50 passengers in executive layouts. The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger is a light twin-engine helicopter aimed at corporate, EMS, and utility roles. It generally provides short-to-medium helicopter range (on the order of a few hundred nautical miles) and typically seats about 6–7 passengers plus crew in executive or transport configurations. The Leonardo AW109 Grand New is a light twin with a strong premium/VIP focus and fast cruise for its class. Its range is also typically a few hundred nautical miles, with a similar practical passenger load of about 6–7 plus crew, often in a more luxury-oriented cabin. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a light twin designed around low external noise (NOTAR) and utility versatility. Its range is broadly comparable to other light twins (a few hundred nautical miles), with typical seating around 6–7 passengers plus crew depending on interior.
| Spec | Airbus ACJ330 Neo | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 16.95 | $ 6.05 | $ 7.31 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 12 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Manufacturer | Airbus | Bell | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | ACJ330 Neo | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW109 Grand New | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 6000 | 381 | 464 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 2.12 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 35 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 28800 | 2528 | — | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 7,965 | $ 931 | $ 1,140 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Thales | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 154 | 156 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $101,500,000 | $7,700,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 35 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | CFM LEAP-1A27 | PW207D1 | PW207C | PW207E |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 29000 | — | — | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| Horsepower | — | 1100 | 735 | 710 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — | 65 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 152 | 159 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 123.3 | 43 | 42.5 | 40.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 117.5 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 12.1 | 5 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 7.4 | 4 | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 91 | 6.58 | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 38.58 | 12.39 | 11.5 | 12 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 7700 | 130 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 1324 | 74 | — | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 36 | 35.5 | 33.9 |