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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).

SpecAIRBUS H175Bell 429WLG GlobalRangerAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand NewAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 TrekkerMD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit22222
DOC / nm$ 13.53$ 6.05$ 7.31$ 7.40$ 7.54
Min Crew21111
Total Seats188888
Flight RulesIFRIFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellLeonardoLeonardoMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH175429WLG GlobalRangerAW109 Grand NewAW109 TrekkerMD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)573381464450317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.75$ 0.76$ 0.91$ 0.93$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats186666
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)679725283125
Standard Cabin Seats166666
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,016$ 931$ 1,140$ 1,125$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISBell BasiX-ProEFISGenesys AerosystemsGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)149154156152131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$17,900,000$7,700,000$ 7,800,000 $6,950,000 $7,250,000
Cabin
Cockpit22222
Min Crew21111
Total Seats188888
Max Cabin Seats186666
Standard Cabin Seats166666
Engine
FADECYesYesYesYesNo
ModelPT6A-67EPW207D1PW207CPW207CPW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)35004000400040004000
Horsepower17751100735735710
No. of Engines22222
Fuel Burn (gph)7665
Fuel Capacity (gal)216.9152152159
Dimensions
Length (ft)59.24342.542.540.6
Overall Height (ft)17.512.3911.511.512
Rotor Diameter (ft)48.53635.535.533.9
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)423.8130
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)81.974
Width (ft)26.37
Cabin Width (ft)5
Cabin Height (ft)4
Cabin Length (ft)6.58