Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H155 vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer vs Sikorsky S 76d
The Airbus H145 and Leonardo AW169 sit in the light–intermediate twin category, typically configured for about 6–10 passengers depending on interiors and mission equipment. Both are commonly used for EMS, law enforcement, and utility work; in general terms their practical ranges are in the mid-hundreds of nautical miles, with the AW169 often marketed with slightly longer reach in some configurations while the H145 emphasizes agility and high-altitude/hot-and-high performance. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a light twin, usually carrying around 5–8 passengers. Its range is generally similar to other light twins, typically a few hundred nautical miles, and it is often chosen for roles valuing its NOTAR anti-torque system and low external noise. The Airbus H155 and Sikorsky S-76D are medium twin helicopters, aimed more at offshore and executive transport. They typically seat about 8–12 passengers in comfort-focused layouts (with higher-density options possible). Their ranges are generally longer than the lighter models, commonly several hundred nautical miles, with the S-76D and H155 both positioned for longer legs and higher cruise performance than the H145/AW169 class.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | AIRBUS H155 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer | Sikorsky S-76D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 11.06 | $ 11.84 | $ 7.54 | $ 11.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | H155 | AW169 | MD 902 Exlplorer | S-76D |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 423 | 440 | 317 | 441 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.99 | $ 0.94 | $ 0.96 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 4012 | — | 3125 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 1,593 | $ 1,658 | $ 988 | $ 1,781 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS | Garmin G500H | Thales TopDeck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 144 | 140 | 131 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $14,800,000 | $9,450,000 | $7,250,000 | $14,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 10 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | Arriel 2C2 | PW210A | PW207E | PW210S |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 943 | 1000 | 710 | 1077 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 332 | — | 159 | 296 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | — | 65 | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 46.9 | 48.1 | 40.6 | 52.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 14.3 | 14.8 | 12 | 14.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 41.1 | — | 33.9 | 44 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 235.2 | 222.5 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 88.3 | 49.5 | — | — |