Airbus Helicopters H155 vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer
The Airbus Helicopters H155 sits in the intermediate twin category and is generally positioned for longer-distance executive transport, offshore support, and EMS. Among the three, it typically offers the greatest range capability, with published figures commonly around the high-400 to 500+ nautical mile class depending on configuration, and it also tends to provide the most generous cabin for passengers, often arranged for roughly 12–13 occupants including crew in high-density layouts. The Leonardo AW169 is a light-intermediate twin designed to bridge light and medium missions. Its range is usually a bit shorter than the H155 but still strong for the class, commonly in the ~400+ nautical mile neighborhood with auxiliary options affecting totals. Passenger capacity is generally slightly lower than the H155, often around 8–10 passengers plus crew depending on seating and mission equipment. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a light twin known for its NOTAR anti-torque system and utility roles. It typically has the shortest range of the three, often in the ~300–400 nautical mile class, and usually carries fewer passengers, commonly around 6–8 plus crew.
| Spec | AIRBUS H155 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 11.06 | $ 11.84 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 12 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H155 | AW169 | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 423 | 440 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.99 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4012 | — | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,593 | $ 1,658 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 144 | 140 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,800,000 | $9,450,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 12 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2C2 | PW210A | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 943 | 1000 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 332 | — | 159 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 65 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 46.9 | 48.1 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.3 | 14.8 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 41.1 | — | 33.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 235.2 | 222.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 88.3 | 49.5 | — |