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