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Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer

The Airbus Helicopters H145 is a modern light twin-engine utility helicopter commonly used for EMS, law enforcement, offshore support, and corporate transport. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is also a light twin, typically positioned for public safety, EMS, and passenger/utility missions, with a design emphasis on reduced external noise through its NOTAR anti-torque system. In practical range terms, the H145 generally offers a longer mission radius, with typical ranges often around the mid‑300 nautical mile class depending on configuration and reserves, while the MD 902 is more commonly seen with a shorter typical range in the low‑to‑mid‑300 nautical mile class, again depending on fuel fit and payload. For passenger capacity, the H145 usually carries one or two pilots plus up to about eight to nine passengers in a high-density arrangement, or fewer when configured for medical interiors. The MD 902 commonly seats one or two pilots plus around seven passengers, with similar tradeoffs when equipped for EMS. Actual figures vary by avionics, interior, fuel options, and regulatory reserves.

SpecAIRBUS H145MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 9.31$ 7.54
Min Crew11
Total Seats108
Flight RulesIFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH145MD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)352317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.93$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats96
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)42003125
Standard Cabin Seats86
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,210$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)130131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$10,200,000 $7,250,000
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats108
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats96
Standard Cabin Seats86
Engine
FADECYesNo
ModelArriel 2EPW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40004000
Horsepower894710
No. of Engines22
Fuel Burn (gph)65
Fuel Capacity (gal)159
Dimensions
Length (ft)44.840.6
Overall Height (ft)1312
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.133.9
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)166
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)46.8