Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer
The Airbus Helicopters H130 is a single‑engine light helicopter typically used for passenger shuttles, tourism, and utility work; it generally offers moderate range and seats up to about seven passengers depending on layout. The Leonardo AW109 Grand New is a twin‑engine light helicopter positioned as a faster, longer‑range executive/EMS platform; it typically carries six to eight passengers and usually provides the best range of this group. The Leonardo SH09 is a newer single‑engine light helicopter aimed at cost‑efficient passenger and utility missions; its capacity is generally around six to seven passengers with a range that is usually competitive with other light singles but below long‑leg twin‑engine types. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine light helicopter with a focus on mission flexibility and reduced tail‑rotor hazards (NOTAR); it commonly seats around seven to eight passengers and offers a range generally comparable to other light twins, often below the AW109’s longer‑range configurations. Exact figures vary by avionics, fuel options, and interior.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 7.31 | $4.48 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | AW109 Grand New | SH09 | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 464 | 430 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.91 | $0.56 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | — | — | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 1,140 | $627 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | EFIS | EFIS | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 156 | 140 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $3,500,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | — | 7 | — |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | — | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | PW207C | HTS 900 | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 5500 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 735 | 1020 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 152 | — | 159 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | — | 65 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 42.5 | — | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 11.5 | — | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 35.5 | — | 33.9 |