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"
In category, the Airbus H175, Leonardo AW189, and Sikorsky S‑76D are medium twin-engine helicopters commonly used for offshore transport, SAR, and executive missions, with higher redundancy and payload than light types. The MD 902 Explorer is a light twin optimized for EMS and urban operations, notable for its NOTAR anti-torque system. The Robinson R66 is a light single aimed at utility and private/corporate missions with lower acquisition and operating costs. The MD 500E is a light single, high-agility helicopter often used for training, utility, and specialized roles, typically carrying fewer people. For range, the H175 and AW189 generally offer the longest legs in typical configurations (roughly in the 450–500+ nautical mile class), with the S‑76D close behind (around the low‑ to mid‑400 nm class). The MD 902 and R66 are usually mid-range (often around 300–350 nm), while the MD 500E is typically shorter (commonly around 250–300 nm, configuration dependent). For passenger capacity, H175 and AW189 commonly seat about 16–19, S‑76D about 12, MD 902 about 7–8, R66 about 4–5, and MD 500E about 4–5 (including pilot).
| Spec | AIRBUS H175 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | MD Helicopters MD 500E | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 13.53 | $ 15.57 | $ 2.95 | $ 7.54 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 21 | 4 | 8 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H175 | AW189 | MD 500E | MD 902 Exlplorer | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 573 | 651 | 258 | 317 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.75 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.94 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 18 | 19 | 3 | 6 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6797 | — | 1483 | 3125 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 19 | 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,016 | $ 2,413 | $ 398 | $ 988 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 149 | 155 | 135 | 131 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $17,900,000 | $2,413,000 | $ 2,750,000 | $7,250,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 21 | 4 | 8 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 18 | 19 | 3 | 6 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 19 | 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Model | PT6A-67E | CT7-2E1 | 250-C20B | PW207E | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | 3500 | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 1775 | 1983 | 420 | 710 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 35 | 65 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 64 | 159 | 73.6 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 59.2 | 57.8 | 30.9 | 40.6 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.5 | 16.6 | 8.7 | 12 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48.5 | 48 | 26.4 | 33.9 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 423.8 | 395 | — | — | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 81.9 | 85 | — | — | 18 |