AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Aw119kx vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer

All five are light twin-engine helicopters except the Leonardo AW119Kx, which is a single-engine light utility model often chosen for lower operating cost rather than redundancy. The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a compact light twin widely used for EMS and police work; it typically offers moderate range and a practical cabin for around five to six passengers in corporate/utility layouts (or fewer when medically equipped). The Bell 429 GlobalRanger is a larger, more spacious light twin with strong useful load; it commonly carries about six to seven passengers and tends to offer competitive range for its class. The Leonardo AW109 Grand New is a fast, premium light twin aimed at VIP and rapid point-to-point missions; it generally seats six to seven and often posts similar or slightly better trip capability than the H135, depending on fit and fuel. The Leonardo AW119Kx, despite being single-engine, can seat up to six to seven and is frequently selected for utility and training with respectable range. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a light twin known for its NOTAR anti-torque system; passenger capacity is typically around six to seven with range broadly comparable to other light twins.

SpecAIRBUS H135Bell 429 GlobalRangerAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand NewAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119KxMD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit22222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 6.29$ 7.31$ 6.76$ 7.54
Min Crew11111
Total Seats98888
Flight RulesIFRIFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellLeonardoLeonardoMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH135429 GlobalRangerAW109 Grand NewAW119KxMD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342365464515317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.79$ 0.91$ 0.84$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats76666
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)312425353125
Standard Cabin Seats76666
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 931$ 1,140$ 885$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixBell BasiX-ProEFISGarmin G1000HGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136148156131131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$7,500,000$ 7,800,000 $3,850,000 $7,250,000
Cabin
Cockpit22222
Min Crew11111
Total Seats98888
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats76666
Standard Cabin Seats76666
Engine
FADECYesYesYesYesNo
ModelArrius 2B2+PW207D1PW207CPT6B-37APW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40004000400045004000
Horsepower6601100735917710
No. of Engines22212
Fuel Burn (gph)7665
Fuel Capacity (gal)216.9152160159
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.54342.542.540.6
Overall Height (ft)12.613.2511.511.912
Rotor Diameter (ft)343635.535.533.9
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173130
Width (ft)26.37
Cabin Width (ft)5
Cabin Height (ft)4
Cabin Length (ft)6.58
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)74