Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw119kx vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer
The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a light twin in the multi‑mission/EMS class, typically carrying a pilot plus about six to seven passengers, with a practical range commonly around 330–350 nautical miles depending on fit. The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger is also a light twin, generally offering similar or slightly higher cabin utility, often configured for a pilot plus six to seven passengers, and tends to deliver roughly 370–410 nautical miles of range in typical cruise/reserve planning. The Leonardo AW119Kx differs as a single‑engine light helicopter, usually configured for a pilot plus six to seven passengers, and often achieves about 400–500 nautical miles, trading twin‑engine redundancy for efficiency. The Leonardo AW169 steps up into the light‑intermediate twin category, with higher payload and cabin volume, commonly seating a pilot plus seven to ten passengers and offering roughly 420–440 nautical miles. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a light twin noted for its NOTAR anti‑torque system, typically carrying a pilot plus six to seven passengers, with range often around 300–360 nautical miles. Figures vary with avionics, tanks, payload, and reserves.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119Kx | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 6.05 | $ 6.76 | $ 11.84 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 | 12 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW119Kx | AW169 | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 381 | 515 | 440 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.84 | $ 0.99 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 2528 | — | — | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 931 | $ 885 | $ 1,658 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Bell BasiX-Pro | Garmin G1000H | EFIS | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 154 | 131 | 140 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $7,700,000 | $3,850,000 | $9,450,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 | 12 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207D1 | PT6B-37A | PW210A | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4500 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 1100 | 917 | 1000 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — | — | 65 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 160 | — | 159 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 43 | 42.5 | 48.1 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 12.39 | 11.9 | 14.8 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36 | 35.5 | — | 33.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 130 | — | 222.5 | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | — | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 74 | — | 49.5 | — |