Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Gulfstream G700 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Airbus H225 and Leonardo AW189 are medium/heavy twin‑engine helicopters aimed at offshore, SAR, and utility transport, while the MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a lighter twin used more for EMS, law enforcement, and short‑haul corporate missions. The Gulfstream G700 is a long‑range business jet focused on intercontinental travel rather than vertical‑lift roles. In range, the G700 is in a different class, typically around 7,500 nautical miles, enabling nonstop transoceanic missions. Among the helicopters, the H225 generally offers the longest legs at roughly 500–600 nautical miles depending on configuration, followed by the AW189 at about 450–500 nautical miles. The MD 902 is shorter‑range, commonly around 300–350 nautical miles. For passenger capacity, the G700 typically carries about 10–19 passengers in executive layouts. The H225 is the highest‑capacity rotorcraft here, often configured around 16–19 passengers (and can be higher in high‑density seating). The AW189 usually seats about 16 passengers in typical transport layouts. The MD 902 is smaller, commonly about 6–8 passengers (or fewer when configured for EMS).
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Gulfstream G700 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | — | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 16 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Gulfstream | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | G700 | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | In Development | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 7500 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | — | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 19 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 12 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | — | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 516 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $78,000,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 16 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 19 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 12 | 19 |
| Crew Rest | — | Optional | — |
| Jump Seat | — | Yes | — |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | — |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD / AFT | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | — | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | Pearl 700 | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | On Condition | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | — | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 18250 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 109.9 | 57.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 25.4 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | — | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | 395 |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 103 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 8.2 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 6.25 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 56.9 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 195 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 85 |