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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 6.29 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | 429 GlobalRanger | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 365 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2535 | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 931 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Bell BasiX-Pro | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 148 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $7,500,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | PW207D1 | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 1100 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 216.9 | 159 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | 65 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 43 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 13.25 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36 | 33.9 |
| 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 | — |