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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"

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).

SpecAIRBUS H175AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189MD Helicopters MD 500EMD Helicopters MD 902 ExlplorerROBINSON R66
Summary
Cockpit22222
DOC / nm$ 13.53$ 15.57$ 2.95$ 7.54$ 3.49
Min Crew21111
Total Seats1821485
Flight RulesIFRIFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoMD HelicotpersMD HelicotpersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft NameH175AW189MD 500EMD 902 ExlplorerR66
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)573651258317350
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.75$ 0.74$ 0.74$ 0.94$ 0.70
Max Cabin Seats181936
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)6797148331251355
Standard Cabin Seats1619263
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,016$ 2,413$ 398$ 988$ 384
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISEFISGyro / AnalogGarmin G500HGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)149155135131110
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$17,900,000$2,413,000$ 2,750,000 $7,250,000 $ 920,000
Cabin
Cockpit22222
Min Crew21111
Total Seats1821485
Max Cabin Seats181936
Standard Cabin Seats1619263
Engine
FADECYesYesNoNoNo
ModelPT6A-67ECT7-2E1250-C20BPW207ERR300
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)35004000350040002000
Horsepower17751983420710300
No. of Engines22121
Fuel Burn (gph)3565
Fuel Capacity (gal)6415973.6
Dimensions
Length (ft)59.257.830.940.638.3
Overall Height (ft)17.516.68.71211.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)48.54826.433.933
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)423.839550
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)81.98518