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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 6.05 | $ 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 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 381 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 2528 | 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 | 154 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $7,700,000 | $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 | 12.39 | 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 | — |