AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer

The Airbus Helicopters H125 is a single‑engine light utility helicopter best suited to cost‑efficient transport, aerial work, and high‑altitude operations. It typically carries a pilot plus about five passengers, and its practical range is generally in the mid‑500 to around 600 km class depending on configuration and reserves. The Airbus Helicopters H145 is a twin‑engine light/medium helicopter aimed at higher utilization missions such as EMS, law enforcement, and offshore/IFR-capable transport where redundancy and cabin volume matter. It commonly carries a pilot (or two) plus about eight to nine passengers in a high‑density layout, with a typical range around 600–700 km depending on fuel and fit. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine light helicopter often used for public safety, EMS, and corporate transport, notable for its NOTAR anti‑torque system. It generally accommodates a pilot plus six to seven passengers, and its typical range is roughly in the 500–650 km band, varying with avionics, fuel, and payload.

SpecAIRBUS H125AIRBUS H145MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 9.31$ 7.54
Min Crew111
Total Seats6108
Flight RulesVFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH125H145MD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341352317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.93$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats596
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)218942003125
Standard Cabin Seats486
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 1,210$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HEFISGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136130131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000$10,200,000 $7,250,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats6108
Max Cabin Seats596
Standard Cabin Seats486
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Engine
FADECYesYesNo
ModelArriel 2DArriel 2EPW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)500040004000
Horsepower847894710
No. of Engines122
Fuel Capacity (gal)143159
Fuel Burn (gph)65
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.544.840.6
Overall Height (ft)101312
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.136.133.9
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)166
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)46.8