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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.

SpecAIRBUS H130AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand NewAGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit3222
DOC / nm$ 5.00$ 7.31$4.48$ 7.54
Min Crew1111
Total Seats7888
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoLeonardoMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH130AW109 Grand NewSH09MD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAIn-DevelopmentFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)333464430317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.71$ 0.91$0.56$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats5666
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)22993125
Standard Cabin Seats4666
Direct Operating Cost$ 640$ 1,140$627$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HEFISEFISGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)128156140131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,450,000$ 7,800,000$3,500,000 $7,250,000
Max Passengers7
Cabin
Cockpit3222
Min Crew1111
Total Seats7888
Max Cabin Seats566
Standard Cabin Seats4666
Engine
FADECYesYesYesNo
ModelArriel 2DPW207CHTS 900PW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)5000400055004000
Horsepower9527351020710
No. of Engines1212
Fuel Capacity (gal)143152159
Fuel Burn (gph)65
Dimensions
Length (ft)41.542.540.6
Overall Height (ft)11.111.512
Rotor Diameter (ft)35.135.533.9