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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 6.29 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | 429 GlobalRanger | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 365 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 2535 | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 931 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Bell BasiX-Pro | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 148 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $7,500,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207D1 | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 1100 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | 65 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 159 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 43 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13.25 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36 | 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 | — |