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Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer vs Robinson Helicopters R66 vs Sikorsky S 76d

By category, the Airbus Helicopters H175 and Sikorsky S‑76D sit in the medium twin‑engine class aimed at offshore transport, EMS, and executive missions. The Leonardo SH09 (commonly referenced as the AW09) and MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer are lighter aircraft, typically used for EMS, law enforcement, utility, and corporate roles, while the Robinson R66 is a light single‑engine turbine mainly suited to personal, training, light utility, and short regional hops. On range, the H175 and S‑76D generally offer the longest legs in this group, configured to support offshore and longer overwater segments. The MD 902 and AW09/SH09 typically provide mid‑tier range appropriate for regional public‑service and commercial missions. The R66 usually has the shortest practical range, reflecting its smaller size and single‑engine design. For passenger capacity, the H175 leads, often configured around 16–18 seats in transport layouts. The S‑76D commonly carries about 12 passengers. The AW09/SH09 and MD 902 typically seat roughly 6–8 depending on interior and mission equipment. The R66 is usually a 5‑seat helicopter (including the pilot).

SpecAIRBUS H175AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09MD Helicopters MD 902 ExlplorerROBINSON R66Sikorsky S-76D
Summary
Cockpit22222
DOC / nm$ 13.53$4.48$ 7.54$ 3.49$ 11.49
Min Crew21112
Total Seats1888512
Flight RulesIFRVFRVFRVFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoMD HelicotpersRobinson HelicoptersSikorsky
Aircraft NameH175SH09MD 902 ExlplorerR66S-76D
CertificationFAA / EASAIn-DevelopmentFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)573430317350441
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.75$0.56$ 0.94$ 0.70$ 0.96
Max Cabin Seats186610
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)679731251355
Standard Cabin Seats1666310
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,016$627$ 988$ 384$ 1,781
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISEFISGarmin G500HGyro / AnalogThales TopDeck
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)149140131110155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$17,900,000$3,500,000 $7,250,000 $ 920,000 $14,900,000
Max Passengers7
Cabin
Cockpit22222
Min Crew21112
Total Seats1888512
Max Cabin Seats18610
Standard Cabin Seats1666310
Engine
FADECYesYesNoNoYes
ModelPT6A-67EHTS 900PW207ERR300PW210S
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)35005500400020004000
Horsepower177510207103001077
No. of Engines21211
Fuel Burn (gph)65
Fuel Capacity (gal)15973.6296
Dimensions
Length (ft)59.240.638.352.5
Overall Height (ft)17.51211.414.5
Rotor Diameter (ft)48.533.93344
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)423.850
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)81.918