AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 407gxi vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer vs Robinson Helicopters R66

By category, the Airbus H135, Bell 429WLG, and Leonardo AW109 Grand New are typically positioned as light twin-engine helicopters (IFR-capable, higher redundancy) used for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate missions. The Bell 407GXi and Robinson R66 are light single-engine utility helicopters, commonly favored for cost-effective passenger transport, training, and general mission work. The Bell 505 JetRanger X and MD 500E sit in the smaller light single segment, optimized for agility, patrol/observation, and lower operating costs. The MD 902 Explorer is a light twin notable for its NOTAR anti-torque system and strong suitability for urban/public-safety roles. On range, the longer-legged group generally includes the Bell 407GXi, AW109, and Bell 429 (often benefiting from higher cruise speeds and/or fuel options), while the H135 and MD 902 are typically mid-pack. The Bell 505, MD 500E, and R66 tend to offer shorter-to-mid ranges aligned with their lighter class. On passenger capacity, the Bell 429 and H135 are usually among the leaders (often configured around 6–7 passengers plus crew), the AW109 commonly carries about 6–7, the Bell 407GXi and R66 typically seat about 4–5 passengers, and the Bell 505 and MD 500E are commonly around 4 passengers.

SpecAIRBUS H135Bell 407GXiBell 429WLG GlobalRangerBell 505 JetRanger XAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand NewMD Helicopters MD 500EMD Helicopters MD 902 ExlplorerROBINSON R66
Summary
Cockpit22222222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 4.43$ 6.05$ 3.53$ 7.31$ 2.95$ 7.54$ 3.49
Min Crew11111111
Total Seats96858485
Flight RulesIFRVFRIFRVFRVFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellBellBellLeonardoMD HelicotpersMD HelicotpersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft NameH135407GXi429WLG GlobalRanger505 JetRanger XAW109 Grand NewMD 500EMD 902 ExlplorerR66
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342337381306464258317350
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.74$ 0.76$ 0.71$ 0.91$ 0.74$ 0.94$ 0.70
Max Cabin Seats756636
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)3124230025281500148331251355
Standard Cabin Seats75636263
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 589$ 931$ 441$ 1,140$ 398$ 988$ 384
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixGarmin G1000H NXIBell BasiX-ProGarmin G1000HEFISGyro / AnalogGarmin G500HGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136133154125156135131110
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$3,225,000$7,700,000$1,445,000$ 7,800,000$ 2,750,000 $7,250,000 $ 920,000
Cabin
Cockpit22222222
Min Crew11111111
Total Seats96858485
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats756636
Standard Cabin Seats75636263
Engine
FADECYesYesYesDual-ChannelYesNoNoNo
ModelArrius 2B2+M250-C47E/4PW207D1Arrius 2RPW207C250-C20BPW207ERR300
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40003500400040004000350040002000
Horsepower6608621100505735420710300
No. of Engines21212121
Fuel Burn (gph)467632.33565
Fuel Capacity (gal)127.8216.984.851526415973.6
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.541.44342.4842.530.940.638.3
Overall Height (ft)12.610.212.3910.6511.58.71211.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)3435363735.526.433.933
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)17312513013750
Width (ft)25.426.376.51
Cabin Width (ft)554.66
Cabin Height (ft)3.942.75
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)16741818
Cabin Length (ft)6.587.17