Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer
By category, the Airbus Helicopters H175 is a super‑medium, twin‑engine helicopter aimed at offshore transport and higher‑end utility missions. The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger is a light, twin‑engine aircraft oriented to EMS, law enforcement, and corporate missions. Leonardo’s AW109 Grand New is a light twin optimized for VIP/corporate speed and comfort, while the AW109 Trekker is a light twin configured more for utility and mixed‑role operations, typically trading some cabin luxury for mission flexibility and rugged features. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is also a light twin, notable for its fenestron/NOTAR‑style anti‑torque system and frequent use in EMS and public‑service roles. On range, the H175 generally offers the longest legs in this group, reflecting its offshore focus. The light twins cluster behind it: AW109 variants and the Bell 429 typically provide mid‑range performance, while the MD 902 is broadly comparable but often at the lower end depending on fit and reserves. For passenger capacity, the H175 carries the most, commonly configured for around 16–18 passengers. The Bell 429 and MD 902 are typically around 6–8, and the AW109 Grand New/Trekker usually seat about 6–7 (higher with optional layouts).
| Spec | AIRBUS H175 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 13.53 | $ 6.05 | $ 7.31 | $ 7.40 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H175 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW109 Grand New | AW109 Trekker | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 573 | 381 | 464 | 450 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.75 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 18 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6797 | 2528 | — | — | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,016 | $ 931 | $ 1,140 | $ 1,125 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | Genesys Aerosystems | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 149 | 154 | 156 | 152 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $17,900,000 | $7,700,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $6,950,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 18 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | PT6A-67E | PW207D1 | PW207C | PW207C | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1775 | 1100 | 735 | 735 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — | — | 65 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 152 | 152 | 159 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 59.2 | 43 | 42.5 | 42.5 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.5 | 12.39 | 11.5 | 11.5 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48.5 | 36 | 35.5 | 35.5 | 33.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 423.8 | 130 | — | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 81.9 | 74 | — | — | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | — | — | — |