AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer

All four aircraft sit in the light twin-engine utility category, but they span slightly different missions. The Airbus H135 is a light twin commonly optimized for EMS, training, and urban operations; it typically offers shorter range than the others here and usually carries the fewest passengers, often configured for about five to seven occupants depending on interior and mission kit. The Airbus H145 is a larger light twin with more cabin volume and useful load; it generally delivers longer range than the H135 and supports higher passenger counts, commonly around eight to nine in passenger layouts (or fewer with medical equipment). The Bell 429 GlobalRanger is also a light twin, positioned between the H135 and H145 in cabin class; it offers competitive range in this group and typically seats about six to seven passengers in executive/utility configurations. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a light twin with the NOTAR anti-torque system, often used for public safety and utility work; its range is broadly comparable to other light twins but is usually less than the H145, and passenger capacity is typically in the six to eight range depending on configuration.

SpecAIRBUS H135AIRBUS H145Bell 429 GlobalRangerMD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit2222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 9.31$ 6.29$ 7.54
Min Crew1111
Total Seats91088
Flight RulesIFRIFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersBellMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH135H145429 GlobalRangerMD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342352365317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.93$ 0.79$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats7966
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)3124420025353125
Standard Cabin Seats7866
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 1,210$ 931$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixEFISBell BasiX-ProGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136130148131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$10,200,000$7,500,000 $7,250,000
Cabin
Cockpit2222
Min Crew1111
Total Seats91088
ConfigurationGreen InteriorGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats7966
Standard Cabin Seats7866
Engine
FADECYesYesYesNo
ModelArrius 2B2+Arriel 2EPW207D1PW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)4000400040004000
Horsepower6608941100710
No. of Engines2222
Fuel Burn (gph)7665
Fuel Capacity (gal)216.9159
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.544.84340.6
Overall Height (ft)12.61313.2512
Rotor Diameter (ft)3436.13633.9
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173166130
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)46.874
Width (ft)26.37
Cabin Width (ft)5
Cabin Height (ft)4
Cabin Length (ft)6.58