AIR.ONE

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

In category, the Airbus Helicopters H135 and Bell 429 GlobalRanger are modern light twin‑engine helicopters commonly positioned for EMS, police, and corporate utility missions, while the MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is also a light twin but differentiated by its NOTAR (no tail rotor) design, often favored where reduced external rotor hazards and lower perceived tail-rotor risk are priorities. On range, the Bell 429 is generally regarded as having the longest reach in typical configurations, making it attractive for longer legs or higher reserve requirements. The H135 usually sits close behind with competitive mission radius depending on interior fit and fuel options. The MD 902’s range is typically shorter than both the H135 and 429, though still suitable for many urban and regional utility roles. For passenger capacity, the Bell 429 commonly offers the most cabin volume and seating flexibility in this group, often accommodating up to around seven or eight occupants depending on layout. The H135 is typically configured for about five to seven. The MD 902 generally carries fewer, often around five to six, again depending on mission equipment and interior configuration.

SpecAIRBUS H135Bell 429 GlobalRangerMD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 6.29$ 7.54
Min Crew111
Total Seats988
Flight RulesIFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH135429 GlobalRangerMD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342365317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.79$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats766
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)312425353125
Standard Cabin Seats766
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 931$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixBell BasiX-ProGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136148131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$7,500,000 $7,250,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats988
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats766
Standard Cabin Seats766
Engine
FADECYesYesNo
ModelArrius 2B2+PW207D1PW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400040004000
Horsepower6601100710
No. of Engines222
Fuel Burn (gph)7665
Fuel Capacity (gal)216.9159
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.54340.6
Overall Height (ft)12.613.2512
Rotor Diameter (ft)343633.9
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