AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer

The Airbus Helicopters H125 is best categorized as a light single‑engine utility helicopter optimized for cost‑effective missions such as aerial work, patrol, and transport in hot‑and‑high conditions. Its typical range is broadly in the 330–400 nautical mile class (configuration dependent), and it generally carries a pilot plus about five to six passengers, with practical seating often around five in executive layouts. The Bell 429 GlobalRanger is a light twin‑engine helicopter aimed at IFR-capable corporate, EMS, and public‑safety operations where redundancy and smoother ride quality matter. It typically offers a longer usable mission radius than many light singles, often around 360–410 nautical miles, and commonly seats a pilot plus six to seven passengers, depending on interior and mission equipment. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a light twin notable for its NOTAR anti‑torque system and low external noise profile, fitting police, EMS, and urban missions. Its range is commonly in the roughly 300–350 nautical mile class, and it typically accommodates a pilot plus about six to seven passengers, again varying by configuration.

SpecAIRBUS H125Bell 429 GlobalRangerMD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 6.29$ 7.54
Min Crew111
Total Seats688
Flight RulesVFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH125429 GlobalRangerMD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341365317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.79$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats566
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)218925353125
Standard Cabin Seats466
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 931$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HBell BasiX-ProGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136148131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000$7,500,000 $7,250,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats688
Max Cabin Seats566
Standard Cabin Seats466
Engine
FADECYesYesNo
ModelArriel 2DPW207D1PW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)500040004000
Horsepower8471100710
No. of Engines122
Fuel Capacity (gal)143216.9159
Fuel Burn (gph)7665
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.54340.6
Overall Height (ft)1013.2512
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.13633.9
Width (ft)26.37
Cabin Width (ft)5
Cabin Height (ft)4
Cabin Length (ft)6.58
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)130
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)74