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

In category terms, the Airbus H135 and Bell 429 GlobalRanger are both light twin‑engine helicopters widely used for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport, while the MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a light twin distinguished by its NOTAR (no tail rotor) anti‑torque system, often valued for reduced tail‑rotor hazards and lower perceived noise. For range, the Bell 429 typically leads among the three on many configurations, offering the longest practical reach for point‑to‑point missions, while the H135 is generally competitive but often somewhat shorter depending on fuel and cabin fit. The MD 902 Explorer’s range is broadly comparable but commonly falls between the H135 and Bell 429, again varying with mission equipment and reserves. For passenger capacity, all three can be configured for a pilot plus multiple passengers, but the Bell 429 generally offers the most spacious cabin and the highest typical seating counts in passenger layouts. The H135 is commonly configured for fewer passengers than the 429 but remains efficient for small groups. The MD 902 usually sits in a similar mid‑range, with capacity depending heavily on interior, EMS, or utility configuration.

SpecAIRBUS H135Bell 429 GlobalRanger
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 6.29
Min Crew11
Total Seats98
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBell
Aircraft NameH135429 GlobalRanger
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342365
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.79
Max Cabin Seats76
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)31242535
Standard Cabin Seats76
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 931
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixBell BasiX-Pro
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136148
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$7,500,000
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats98
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats76
Standard Cabin Seats76
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelArrius 2B2+PW207D1
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40004000
Horsepower6601100
No. of Engines22
Fuel Burn (gph)76
Fuel Capacity (gal)216.9
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.543
Overall Height (ft)12.613.25
Rotor Diameter (ft)3436
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