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

In category, the Airbus Helicopters H135 and Bell 429 GlobalRanger are twin‑engine light helicopters widely used for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate missions, with the Bell generally positioned as a slightly larger, higher‑power light twin. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is also a light twin, notable for its NOTAR (no tail rotor) anti‑torque system, often favored where low external noise and tail‑rotor risk reduction matter. The Leonardo AW119Kx is the outlier as a single‑engine light helicopter, typically chosen for lower operating cost, training, utility, and passenger transport where single‑engine operations fit the mission profile. On range, all four sit in broadly comparable light‑helicopter territory: the AW119Kx often achieves strong range for its class thanks to single‑engine efficiency, while the H135, Bell 429, and MD 902 deliver similar practical ranges that depend heavily on payload, reserves, and optional tanks. For passenger capacity, the AW119Kx commonly carries about six to seven passengers, the H135 typically around six to seven, the MD 902 about seven, and the Bell 429 generally leads with up to seven to eight in standard high‑density configurations.

SpecAIRBUS H135Bell 429 GlobalRangerAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119KxMD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit2222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 6.29$ 6.76$ 7.54
Min Crew1111
Total Seats9888
Flight RulesIFRIFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellLeonardoMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH135429 GlobalRangerAW119KxMD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342365515317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.79$ 0.84$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats7666
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)312425353125
Standard Cabin Seats7666
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 931$ 885$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixBell BasiX-ProGarmin G1000HGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136148131131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$7,500,000 $3,850,000 $7,250,000
Cabin
Cockpit2222
Min Crew1111
Total Seats9888
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats7666
Standard Cabin Seats7666
Engine
FADECYesYesYesNo
ModelArrius 2B2+PW207D1PT6B-37APW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)4000400045004000
Horsepower6601100917710
No. of Engines2212
Fuel Burn (gph)7665
Fuel Capacity (gal)216.9160159
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.54342.540.6
Overall Height (ft)12.613.2511.912
Rotor Diameter (ft)343635.533.9
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