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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | $ 6.29 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H145 | 429 GlobalRanger | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 352 | 365 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4200 | 2535 | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | $ 931 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 148 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $7,500,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 894 | 1100 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 76 | 65 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 216.9 | 159 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 44.8 | 43 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13 | 13.25 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36.1 | 36 | 33.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 166 | 130 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | 74 | — |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 26.37 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 6.58 | — |