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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | Bell 407GXi | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119Kx | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 | MD Helicopters MD 500E | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 4.43 | $ 6.76 | $ 11.84 | $4.48 | $ 2.95 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 8 | 12 | 8 | 4 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | IFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | 407GXi | AW119Kx | AW169 | SH09 | MD 500E | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 337 | 515 | 440 | 430 | 258 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.84 | $ 0.99 | $0.56 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 6 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2300 | — | — | — | 1483 | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 5 | 6 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 589 | $ 885 | $ 1,658 | $627 | $ 398 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H NXI | Garmin G1000H | EFIS | EFIS | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 133 | 131 | 140 | 140 | 135 | 131 |
| 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 Passengers | — | — | — | — | 7 | — | — |
| Cabin | |||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 8 | 12 | 8 | 4 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 6 | 10 | — | 3 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 5 | 6 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 6 |
| Engine | |||||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | M250-C47E/4 | PT6B-37A | PW210A | HTS 900 | 250-C20B | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 4500 | 4000 | 5500 | 3500 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 862 | 917 | 1000 | 1020 | 420 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 127.8 | 160 | — | — | 64 | 159 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 46 | — | — | — | 35 | 65 |
| Dimensions | |||||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.4 | 42.5 | 48.1 | — | 30.9 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 10.2 | 11.9 | 14.8 | — | 8.7 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35 | 35.5 | — | — | 26.4 | 33.9 |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.4 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 3.9 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 125 | — | 222.5 | — | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 16 | — | 49.5 | — | — | — |