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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.

SpecAIRBUS H155AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 11.06$ 11.84$ 7.54
Min Crew211
Total Seats14128
Flight RulesIFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH155AW169MD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)423440317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.74$ 0.99$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats12106
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)40123125
Standard Cabin Seats12106
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,593$ 1,658$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISEFISGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)144140131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$14,800,000 $9,450,000 $7,250,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew211
Total Seats14128
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats12106
Standard Cabin Seats12106
Engine
FADECYesYesNo
ModelArriel 2C2PW210APW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400040004000
Horsepower9431000710
No. of Engines222
Fuel Capacity (gal)332159
Fuel Burn (gph)65
Dimensions
Length (ft)46.948.140.6
Overall Height (ft)14.314.812
Rotor Diameter (ft)41.133.9
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)235.2222.5
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)88.349.5