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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.

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