AIR.ONE

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

Airbus Helicopters’ H135 is typically positioned as a light twin for EMS, police, and corporate shuttle work, emphasizing broad mission flexibility and low noise. Its range is generally in the mid‑hundreds of nautical miles depending on fuel configuration and reserves, and it commonly carries a pilot plus about five to six passengers in a standard layout (mission interiors vary). Bell’s 429WLG GlobalRanger sits at the upper end of the light‑twin class, often chosen for faster point‑to‑point transport and utility roles. It typically offers a similar or slightly longer practical range than an H135 when configured for transport missions, and it is usually arranged for a pilot plus six to seven passengers, with a comparatively roomy cabin for the class. MD Helicopters’ MD 902 Explorer is also a light twin, best known for its NOTAR anti‑torque system and suitability for public safety, air medical, and general utility missions where reduced tail‑rotor hazards and noise are valued. Its range is broadly comparable to other light twins but often trends a bit shorter depending on fit, and passenger capacity is commonly around a pilot plus five to six.

SpecAIRBUS H135Bell 429WLG GlobalRangerMD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 6.05$ 7.54
Min Crew111
Total Seats988
Flight RulesIFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH135429WLG GlobalRangerMD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342381317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.76$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats766
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)312425283125
Standard Cabin Seats766
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 931$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixBell BasiX-ProGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136154131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$7,700,000 $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)12.612.3912
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