Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H155 vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer
The Airbus Helicopters H145 is a light twin-engine helicopter typically used for EMS, law enforcement, and utility missions. It generally offers the shortest range of the three but is optimized for efficient short-to-medium legs and frequent cycles. Passenger capacity is usually in the mid–single digits in a corporate layout, with higher seating possible in high-density configurations depending on interiors and mission equipment. The Airbus Helicopters H155 is a larger, medium twin aimed at offshore transport and executive/VIP missions. It typically provides the longest range among these models and the most cabin volume, translating to the highest practical passenger capacity, commonly arranged for around ten or more passengers in transport layouts, again depending on configuration. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a light twin positioned between the H145 and H155 in mission category, with a focus on public service and utility roles. Its range is generally comparable to light-twin peers and usually below the H155, while passenger capacity is typically similar to the H145 in standard configurations, with flexibility based on seating and equipment.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | AIRBUS H155 | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 11.06 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | H155 | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 423 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 4012 | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 1,593 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 144 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $14,800,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2E | Arriel 2C2 | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 943 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 332 | 159 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 65 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 46.9 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 14.3 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 41.1 | 33.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 235.2 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 88.3 | — |