AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer

The Airbus Helicopters H145 is typically positioned as a light twin optimized for utility and EMS-style missions, offering a comparatively long practical range in its class and a roomy cabin that usually seats around 8 passengers (plus crew) depending on configuration. Bell’s 429 GlobalRanger competes closely as a light twin, generally providing similar passenger counts (often up to about 7) with solid range suited to corporate, public safety, and offshore-support roles, though cabin volume is usually a bit less than the H145’s. Leonardo’s AW109 Grand New is a faster, more executive-leaning light twin; it commonly carries around 6–7 passengers with range that is competitive, emphasizing speed and VIP comfort. The AW109 Trekker is a utility-oriented evolution with skid gear, typically maintaining similar seating (about 6–7) and offering range comparable to the Grand family while favoring rugged operations. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a light twin with a distinct NOTAR design, generally seating about 6–7 passengers and offering a somewhat shorter typical range than the leading light twins above, depending on fit and reserves.

SpecAIRBUS H145Bell 429 GlobalRangerAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand NewAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 TrekkerMD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit22222
DOC / nm$ 9.31$ 6.29$ 7.31$ 7.40$ 7.54
Min Crew11111
Total Seats108888
Flight RulesIFRIFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellLeonardoLeonardoMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH145429 GlobalRangerAW109 Grand NewAW109 TrekkerMD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)352365464450317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.93$ 0.79$ 0.91$ 0.93$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats96666
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)420025353125
Standard Cabin Seats86666
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,210$ 931$ 1,140$ 1,125$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISBell BasiX-ProEFISGenesys AerosystemsGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)130148156152131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$10,200,000$7,500,000$ 7,800,000 $6,950,000 $7,250,000
Cabin
Cockpit22222
Min Crew11111
Total Seats108888
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats96666
Standard Cabin Seats86666
Engine
FADECYesYesYesYesNo
ModelArriel 2EPW207D1PW207CPW207CPW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40004000400040004000
Horsepower8941100735735710
No. of Engines22222
Fuel Burn (gph)7665
Fuel Capacity (gal)216.9152152159
Dimensions
Length (ft)44.84342.542.540.6
Overall Height (ft)1313.2511.511.512
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.13635.535.533.9
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)166130
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)46.874
Width (ft)26.37
Cabin Width (ft)5
Cabin Height (ft)4
Cabin Length (ft)6.58