Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Airbus H225 is a heavy twin-engine helicopter aimed at offshore, SAR, and utility work; it typically offers the longest helicopter range in this group (roughly 450–600 nm depending on fit) and commonly carries around 16–19 passengers in high-density seating (more in utility layouts). The Leonardo AW189 is a super‑medium twin designed for similar missions but smaller, with a typical range around 400–500 nm and about 16–19 passengers depending on configuration. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a light twin helicopter optimized for corporate, law‑enforcement, and EMS roles; it has the shortest range here (about 300–400 nm) and usually seats about 6–8 passengers. By contrast, the Dassault Falcon 8X is a long‑range business jet, not a helicopter; it is built for fast intercity and intercontinental travel with a range around 5,900–6,450 nm and typically accommodates about 12–16 passengers in executive cabin layouts.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Dassault Falcon 8X | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 7.66 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 17 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Dassault Falcon | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | 8X | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 6450 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 0.64 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 36900 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 14 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 3,805 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Honeywell Primus EASy II | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 516 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $ 62,500,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 17 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 14 | 19 |
| Lavatory | — | 2 Enclosed Flushing | — |
| Crew Rest | — | No | — |
| Jump Seat | — | Yes | — |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | — |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD / AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 10.2 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Galley | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 29200 | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 3900 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | PW307D | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | On-Condition | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | — | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 17 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 6722 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 80.2 | 57.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 26.1 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | — | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | 1695 | 395 |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 86.3 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.7 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 6.2 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 42.7 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 6.3 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 29.2 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 140 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 85 |