Airbus Helicopters H155 vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer vs Sikorsky S 76d
In category terms, the Airbus Helicopters H155 and Sikorsky S‑76D are typically positioned as medium twin-engine helicopters aimed at offshore, corporate/VIP, and higher-end utility missions, with the S‑76D often viewed as the more performance‑optimized “medium” choice. The Leonardo AW169 is generally classed as a light‑intermediate twin, bridging smaller light twins and larger mediums, while the MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is usually considered a light twin, oriented toward EMS, law enforcement, and utility roles, with its NOTAR anti‑torque system as a differentiator. On range, the S‑76D and H155 commonly lead this group, often offering roughly 400–450+ nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves, making them frequent offshore/corporate picks. The AW169 is typically close behind, often around the mid‑300 to ~440 nautical mile class depending on tanks, payload, and mission profile. The MD 902 generally has the shortest range of the four, often around the ~300+ nautical mile class, varying significantly with equipment and payload. For passenger capacity, H155 and S‑76D usually seat about 12 passengers in high‑density layouts. The AW169 commonly seats around 8–10. The MD 902 typically accommodates about 6–8.
| Spec | AIRBUS H155 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer | Sikorsky S-76D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 11.06 | $ 11.84 | $ 7.54 | $ 11.49 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 12 | 8 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | H155 | AW169 | MD 902 Exlplorer | S-76D |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 423 | 440 | 317 | 441 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.99 | $ 0.94 | $ 0.96 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 | 6 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4012 | — | 3125 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 | 6 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,593 | $ 1,658 | $ 988 | $ 1,781 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | Garmin G500H | Thales TopDeck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 144 | 140 | 131 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,800,000 | $9,450,000 | $7,250,000 | $14,900,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 12 | 8 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 | 6 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 | 6 | 10 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2C2 | PW210A | PW207E | PW210S |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 943 | 1000 | 710 | 1077 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 332 | — | 159 | 296 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 65 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 46.9 | 48.1 | 40.6 | 52.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.3 | 14.8 | 12 | 14.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 41.1 | — | 33.9 | 44 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 235.2 | 222.5 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 88.3 | 49.5 | — | — |