AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer

The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a light twin‑engine helicopter commonly positioned as a multi‑mission platform for EMS, police, and corporate transport. It typically offers a practical range in the mid‑300 nautical mile class and is usually configured for about five to six passengers plus one or two pilots, with flexibility depending on interior and mission equipment. The Leonardo AW109 GrandNew is also a light twin, but it is generally marketed more toward fast, premium corporate and VIP travel. Compared with the H135 and MD 902, it often provides the longest range of the three (roughly around 400 nautical miles, configuration dependent) and commonly carries six to seven passengers plus pilots, with an emphasis on cabin finish and cruise performance. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a light twin notable for its NOTAR anti‑torque system, often selected for law enforcement and utility roles where reduced rotor‑wash and tail‑rotor hazards matter. Its typical range is broadly similar to the H135 (often around the low‑to‑mid‑300 nautical mile class), with seating commonly around five to six passengers plus pilots, depending on layout.

SpecAIRBUS H135AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand NewMD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 7.31$ 7.54
Min Crew111
Total Seats988
Flight RulesIFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH135AW109 Grand NewMD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342464317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.91$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats766
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)31243125
Standard Cabin Seats766
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 1,140$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixEFISGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136156131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$ 7,800,000 $7,250,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats988
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats766
Standard Cabin Seats766
Engine
FADECYesYesNo
ModelArrius 2B2+PW207CPW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400040004000
Horsepower660735710
No. of Engines222
Fuel Capacity (gal)152159
Fuel Burn (gph)65
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.542.540.6
Overall Height (ft)12.611.512
Rotor Diameter (ft)3435.533.9
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173