Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Embraer Legacy 650 E vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Airbus H225 and Leonardo AW189 are large twin‑engine helicopters suited to offshore and utility missions, while the MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a lighter twin, and the Embraer Legacy 650E is a long‑range business jet rather than a rotorcraft. In range, the Legacy 650E is in a different class, typically around 3,900 nautical miles, enabling intercontinental trips. The H225 and AW189 generally offer medium helicopter ranges, roughly about 450–500 nautical miles depending on fuel and payload, aimed at regional offshore legs. The MD 902 Explorer is shorter‑legged, typically about 300–350 nautical miles. Passenger capacity also separates them. The Legacy 650E commonly seats about 13 passengers in executive configuration. The H225 can carry the most among the helicopters, often around 19 passengers, with high useful load. The AW189 typically carries around 16–19 passengers depending on layout. The MD 902 Explorer is much smaller, usually configured for about 5–7 passengers plus crew. Overall, the Legacy 650E leads for range and speed, the H225/AW189 for high‑capacity vertical lift, and the MD 902 for lighter, shorter‑range missions.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 57.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | 395 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 85 |