Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer
The Airbus Helicopters H145 is a light twin-engine utility helicopter typically used for EMS, law enforcement, and short-to-medium transport. It generally offers a range on the order of roughly 350–400 nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves, and it commonly carries about 8–9 passengers (plus pilots) in a high-density transport layout, with flexibility for medical or mission equipment. The Airbus Helicopters H175 sits in the super-medium class, aimed at offshore transport and longer-range passenger missions. It usually provides substantially greater range, commonly around 500–600 nautical miles, and a much larger cabin that often supports about 12–16 passengers, depending on interior and weight limits. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a light twin designed around the NOTAR anti-torque system, often chosen for public safety and utility roles. Its typical range is shorter than the H145, often around 250–350 nautical miles, and passenger seating is commonly about 6–8, again depending on configuration.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | AIRBUS H175 | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 13.53 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 18 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | H175 | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 573 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.75 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 18 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 6797 | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 16 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 2,016 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 149 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $17,900,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 18 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 18 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 16 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PT6A-67E | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3500 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1775 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 65 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 159 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 59.2 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 17.5 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 48.5 | 33.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 423.8 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 81.9 | — |