AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 407gxi vs Leonardo Aw119kx vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer

By category, the Airbus H125, Bell 407GXi, Leonardo AW119Kx, and MD 500E are single‑engine light utility helicopters, typically chosen for patrol, tourism, utility, and general charter where operating cost and simplicity matter. The Leonardo AW169 is a larger, twin‑engine light‑intermediate helicopter aimed at higher payload, IFR/EMS, and offshore/transport missions. The MD 902 Explorer is also twin‑engine in the light class, notable for its NOTAR anti‑torque system and commonly used for EMS and law enforcement. The Leonardo SH09 is a modern single‑engine light helicopter positioned broadly against the H125/407/AW119 segment. Range generally clusters higher for the H125 and 407GXi (often around the mid‑300 to 400+ nm class depending on tanks and reserves), with the AW119Kx and SH09 in a similar light‑single bracket. The MD 500E is typically shorter‑ranged due to smaller fuel capacity. The AW169 and MD 902 can offer competitive ranges, often in the high‑300+ nm region with standard configurations. Passenger capacity (excluding pilot) is typically about 5–6 in H125/407GXi/AW119Kx/SH09, about 4–5 in MD 500E, about 7–8 in MD 902, and roughly 8–10 in the AW169 depending on interior and mission fit.

SpecAIRBUS H125Bell 407GXiAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119KxAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09MD Helicopters MD 500EMD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit2222222
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 4.43$ 6.76$ 11.84$4.48$ 2.95$ 7.54
Min Crew1111111
Total Seats66812848
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFRIFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellLeonardoLeonardoLeonardoMD HelicotpersMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH125407GXiAW119KxAW169SH09MD 500EMD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAIn-DevelopmentFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341337515440430258317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.74$ 0.84$ 0.99$0.56$ 0.74$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats55610636
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)2189230014833125
Standard Cabin Seats45610626
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 589$ 885$ 1,658$627$ 398$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HGarmin G1000H NXIGarmin G1000HEFISEFISGyro / AnalogGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136133131140140135131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000$3,225,000 $3,850,000 $9,450,000 $3,500,000$ 2,750,000 $7,250,000
Max Passengers7
Cabin
Cockpit2222222
Min Crew1111111
Total Seats66812848
Max Cabin Seats5561036
Standard Cabin Seats45610626
Engine
FADECYesYesYesYesYesNoNo
ModelArriel 2DM250-C47E/4PT6B-37APW210AHTS 900250-C20BPW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)5000350045004000550035004000
Horsepower84786291710001020420710
No. of Engines1112112
Fuel Capacity (gal)143127.816064159
Fuel Burn (gph)463565
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.541.442.548.130.940.6
Overall Height (ft)1010.211.914.88.712
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.13535.526.433.9
Width (ft)25.4
Cabin Width (ft)5
Cabin Height (ft)3.9
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)125222.5
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)1649.5