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Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Beechcraft King Air 360 Er vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer

By category, the Beechcraft King Air 360ER is a twin‑turboprop fixed‑wing aircraft aimed at efficient regional transport, while the Airbus H225, Leonardo AW189, and MD Helicopters 902 Explorer are twin‑engine helicopters oriented toward offshore, utility, EMS, and corporate missions (with the 902 also known for its NOTAR anti‑torque system and smaller footprint). On range, the King Air 360ER generally offers the longest reach, typically on the order of roughly 1,500–1,800 nautical miles depending on payload and reserves, making it best suited to longer point‑to‑point trips. The H225 and AW189 sit in the middle, with typical mission ranges in the several‑hundred‑nautical‑mile class (often around 450–550 nm), optimized for offshore legs and versatile rotorcraft operations. The MD 902 Explorer is usually shorter‑range, commonly a few hundred nautical miles (roughly 300–400 nm). For passenger capacity, the H225 is the largest here, often configured around 16–19 passengers. The AW189 is similar but typically slightly lower, commonly around 16–18. The King Air 360ER usually carries about 6–9 passengers in executive layouts. The MD 902 generally seats about 6–8.

SpecAIRBUS H225AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 20.87$ 15.57
Min Crew21
Total Seats2121
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardo
Aircraft NameH225AW189
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)454651
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.99$ 0.74
Max Cabin Seats2819
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)11929
Standard Cabin Seats1919
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,963$ 2,413
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)142155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 29,500,000$2,413,000
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew21
Total Seats2121
Max Cabin Seats2819
Standard Cabin Seats1919
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelMakila 2A1CT7-2E1
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)35004000
Horsepower21001983
No. of Engines22
Fuel Capacity (gal)684
Dimensions
Length (ft)63.457.8
Overall Height (ft)16.316.6
Rotor Diameter (ft)53.248
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)547395
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)85