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Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer vs Sikorsky S 76d

The Airbus Helicopters H145 and MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer are generally positioned as light twins, while the Sikorsky S‑76D is typically considered a larger, medium twin aimed more squarely at corporate/VIP and offshore-style missions. In range, the H145 and MD 902 are broadly similar in typical real-world planning, often landing in the mid-hundreds of nautical miles depending on fuel reserves and cabin load, whereas the S‑76D usually offers the longest practical range of the three and is commonly selected when longer legs or higher cruise efficiency are priorities. For passenger capacity, the H145 is frequently configured around 8 to 9 passengers (with layouts varying by mission), the MD 902 is commonly arranged for about 6 to 7 passengers, and the S‑76D typically seats about 8 passengers in executive layouts, with options that trade comfort for higher density. Overall, H145 emphasizes versatility and cabin volume in the light-twin class, MD 902 focuses on light-twin utility and operating economics, and S‑76D prioritizes speed, refinement, and longer-range capability in a larger category.

SpecAIRBUS H145MD Helicopters MD 902 ExlplorerSikorsky S-76D
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 9.31$ 7.54$ 11.49
Min Crew112
Total Seats10812
Flight RulesIFRVFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersMD HelicotpersSikorsky
Aircraft NameH145MD 902 ExlplorerS-76D
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)352317441
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.93$ 0.94$ 0.96
Max Cabin Seats9610
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)42003125
Standard Cabin Seats8610
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,210$ 988$ 1,781
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISGarmin G500HThales TopDeck
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)130131155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$10,200,000 $7,250,000 $14,900,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew112
Total Seats10812
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats9610
Standard Cabin Seats8610
Engine
FADECYesNoYes
ModelArriel 2EPW207EPW210S
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400040004000
Horsepower8947101077
No. of Engines221
Fuel Burn (gph)65
Fuel Capacity (gal)159296
Dimensions
Length (ft)44.840.652.5
Overall Height (ft)131214.5
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.133.944
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)166
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)46.8