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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 7.31 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | AW109 Grand New | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 464 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | — | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,140 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 156 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $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+ | PW207C | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 735 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 152 | 159 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 65 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 42.5 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 11.5 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 35.5 | 33.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | — | — |