AIR.ONE

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.

SpecAIRBUS H125MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 7.54
Min Crew11
Total Seats68
Flight RulesVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH125MD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats56
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)21893125
Standard Cabin Seats46
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000 $7,250,000
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats68
Max Cabin Seats56
Standard Cabin Seats46
Engine
FADECYesNo
ModelArriel 2DPW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)50004000
Horsepower847710
No. of Engines12
Fuel Capacity (gal)143159
Fuel Burn (gph)65
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.540.6
Overall Height (ft)1012
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.133.9