Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer
The Airbus Helicopters H125 and the MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer are both light utility helicopters, but they emphasize different strengths. The H125 is a single‑engine aircraft widely used for utility work, tourism, training, and high‑altitude operations, valued for strong hot‑and‑high performance and simpler operating economics. The MD 902 is a twin‑engine helicopter aimed more at roles where redundancy and urban operations matter, such as EMS support, law enforcement, and corporate transport, and it is also known for its NOTAR anti‑torque system that replaces a conventional tail rotor. In range, the H125 typically offers a longer practical reach in many common configurations, aided by efficient cruise and optional auxiliary fuel, while the MD 902’s range is generally shorter to comparable with mission fit depending on payload and reserves. For passenger capacity, both commonly seat one or two pilots plus passengers, but the H125 is often configured for up to about five or six passengers, while the MD 902 typically carries about five passengers in addition to the pilot(s), with layouts varying by mission equipment.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 159 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 65 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 33.9 |