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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 7.31 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | AW109 Grand New | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 464 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | — | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 1,140 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | EFIS | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 156 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $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 | PW207C | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 735 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 152 | 159 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 65 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 42.5 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.5 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35.5 | 33.9 |