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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119Kx | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 6.29 | $ 7.31 | $ 6.76 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | 429 GlobalRanger | AW109 Grand New | AW119Kx | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 365 | 464 | 515 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.84 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 2535 | — | — | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 931 | $ 1,140 | $ 885 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | Garmin G1000H | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 148 | 156 | 131 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $7,500,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $3,850,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207D1 | PW207C | PT6B-37A | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4500 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 1100 | 735 | 917 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — | — | 65 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 152 | 160 | 159 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 43 | 42.5 | 42.5 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13.25 | 11.5 | 11.9 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36 | 35.5 | 35.5 | 33.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 130 | — | — | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | — | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 74 | — | — | — |