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Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer

Airbus Helicopters’ H125 is a single‑engine utility helicopter optimized for short-to-medium missions with a typical range around 330–350 nautical miles and seating commonly configured for one pilot plus up to five or six passengers, depending on interior and payload. It’s generally chosen when versatility, hot-and-high performance, and lower operating complexity matter more than speed or cabin refinement. The Leonardo AW109 Grand New is a twin‑engine light helicopter positioned as a faster, more premium passenger and corporate transport, with a typical range roughly 400–500 nautical miles and seating often arranged for one or two pilots plus six to seven passengers. It tends to lead this group in cruise speed and cabin finish, making it better suited to longer point‑to‑point trips and IFR-oriented operations. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine light helicopter aimed at EMS, law enforcement, and utility roles, notable for its NOTAR anti‑torque system. Its typical range is about 300–360 nautical miles, with seating commonly one or two pilots plus five to six passengers, balancing mission flexibility with reduced tail-rotor hazards.

SpecAIRBUS H125AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand NewMD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 7.31$ 7.54
Min Crew111
Total Seats688
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH125AW109 Grand NewMD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341464317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.91$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats566
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)21893125
Standard Cabin Seats466
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 1,140$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HEFISGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136156131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000$ 7,800,000 $7,250,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats688
Max Cabin Seats566
Standard Cabin Seats466
Engine
FADECYesYesNo
ModelArriel 2DPW207CPW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)500040004000
Horsepower847735710
No. of Engines122
Fuel Capacity (gal)143152159
Fuel Burn (gph)65
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.542.540.6
Overall Height (ft)1011.512
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.135.533.9