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Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 600n vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer

The Airbus Helicopters H130 is a single‑engine light helicopter best suited to short‑to‑medium missions such as sightseeing, EMS support, and utility work; it typically offers the longest practical range of this group and a roomy cabin, commonly seating a pilot plus up to about six passengers depending on configuration. The Leonardo SH09 is also a single‑engine light helicopter in a similar role class, generally offering comparable mid‑range capability and an expected seating layout around a pilot with up to six passengers, though exact figures depend strongly on the final build and options. The MD Helicopters MD 600N is a single‑engine light utility helicopter; it is typically positioned more toward workhorse utility and performance, with a generally shorter range than an H130 and a smaller passenger load, commonly around a pilot plus five or so passengers depending on interior. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a light twin‑engine helicopter aimed at higher redundancy and specialized missions (public safety, EMS, corporate), usually carrying a pilot plus up to about six passengers, with range typically in the mid‑class rather than the longest in this set.

SpecAIRBUS H130AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09MD Helicopters MD 600NMD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit3222
DOC / nm$ 5.00$4.48$ 4.06$ 7.54
Min Crew1111
Total Seats7868
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoMD HelicotpersMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH130SH09MD 600NMD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAIn-DevelopmentFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)333430341317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.71$0.56$ 0.68$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats5656
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)229920003125
Standard Cabin Seats4656
Direct Operating Cost$ 640$627$ 545$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HEFISGyro / AnalogGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)128140134131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,450,000$3,500,000 $3,400,000 $7,250,000
Max Passengers7
Cabin
Cockpit3222
Min Crew1111
Total Seats7868
Max Cabin Seats556
Standard Cabin Seats4656
Engine
FADECYesYesNoNo
ModelArriel 2DHTS 900250-C47PW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)5000550020004000
Horsepower9521020715710
No. of Engines1112
Fuel Capacity (gal)143118159
Fuel Burn (gph)4165
Dimensions
Length (ft)41.536.940.6
Overall Height (ft)11.19.712
Rotor Diameter (ft)35.127.533.9