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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 6.29 | $ 7.31 | $ 7.40 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | 429 GlobalRanger | AW109 Grand New | AW109 Trekker | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 365 | 464 | 450 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 2535 | — | — | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 931 | $ 1,140 | $ 1,125 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | Genesys Aerosystems | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 148 | 156 | 152 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $7,500,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $6,950,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 | PW207C | PW207C | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1100 | 735 | 735 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — | — | 65 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 152 | 152 | 159 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 43 | 42.5 | 42.5 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 13.25 | 11.5 | 11.5 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36 | 35.5 | 35.5 | 33.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 130 | — | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 74 | — | — | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | — | — | — |