Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer
In category, the Airbus Helicopters H135 is a light twin‑engine multi‑mission helicopter commonly used for HEMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport, emphasizing low vibration and a modern, widely supported platform. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is also a light twin, best known for its NOTAR (no tail rotor) anti‑torque system, which can reduce tail‑rotor hazards and external noise in certain profiles, and it is often positioned for public safety and utility roles. On range, both are in a similar light‑twin class, but typical published figures generally place the H135 with a modest advantage in usable range and cruise efficiency depending on variant, fuel fit, and mission equipment. Real‑world range for either can vary significantly with payload, reserves, and environmental conditions. For passenger capacity, both can be configured for roughly one to two pilots plus up to about six to seven passengers, again depending on interior layout and mission kit. The H135 is frequently optimized for EMS cabin access and medical fit-outs, while the MD 902’s cabin and NOTAR design can be attractive for operations in confined or hazard‑sensitive areas.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 65 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 159 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 33.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | — |