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Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer vs Robinson Helicopters R66 vs Sikorsky S 76d

The Airbus Helicopters H175 and Leonardo AW189 are super-medium twins aimed at offshore and SAR work, typically carrying about 16–19 passengers (depending on layout) with ranges commonly around 500–600 nautical miles. The Sikorsky S‑76D is a lighter, fast intermediate twin often used for corporate and EMS roles, usually seating about 8–12 passengers, with a typical range around 400–450 nautical miles. MD Helicopters’ MD 500E is a light single-purpose helicopter, generally configured for about 4–5 passengers and offering a relatively shorter range, often roughly 250–350 nautical miles. The MD 902 Explorer is a light twin designed around utility, law enforcement, and EMS missions; it typically accommodates about 8–10 occupants and has a range commonly in the 300–400 nautical mile class. The Robinson R66 is a light single, commonly carrying 4 passengers plus a pilot (about 5 total) with a typical range around 300 nautical miles. Actual figures vary by payload, fuel, and configuration.

SpecAIRBUS H175AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189MD Helicopters MD 500EMD Helicopters MD 902 ExlplorerROBINSON R66Sikorsky S-76D
Summary
Cockpit222222
DOC / nm$ 13.53$ 15.57$ 2.95$ 7.54$ 3.49$ 11.49
Min Crew211112
Total Seats182148512
Flight RulesIFRIFRVFRVFRVFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoMD HelicotpersMD HelicotpersRobinson HelicoptersSikorsky
Aircraft NameH175AW189MD 500EMD 902 ExlplorerR66S-76D
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)573651258317350441
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.75$ 0.74$ 0.74$ 0.94$ 0.70$ 0.96
Max Cabin Seats18193610
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)6797148331251355
Standard Cabin Seats161926310
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,016$ 2,413$ 398$ 988$ 384$ 1,781
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISEFISGyro / AnalogGarmin G500HGyro / AnalogThales TopDeck
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)149155135131110155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$17,900,000$2,413,000$ 2,750,000 $7,250,000 $ 920,000 $14,900,000
Cabin
Cockpit222222
Min Crew211112
Total Seats182148512
Max Cabin Seats18193610
Standard Cabin Seats161926310
Engine
FADECYesYesNoNoNoYes
ModelPT6A-67ECT7-2E1250-C20BPW207ERR300PW210S
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)350040003500400020004000
Horsepower177519834207103001077
No. of Engines221211
Fuel Burn (gph)3565
Fuel Capacity (gal)6415973.6296
Dimensions
Length (ft)59.257.830.940.638.352.5
Overall Height (ft)17.516.68.71211.414.5
Rotor Diameter (ft)48.54826.433.93344
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)423.839550
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)81.98518