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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 65 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 159 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 33.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | — |