AIR.ONE

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).

SpecAIRBUS H225Gulfstream G700AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit232
DOC / nm$ 20.87$ 15.57
Min Crew241
Total Seats211621
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersGulfstreamLeonardo
Aircraft NameH225G700AW189
CertificationFAA / EASAIn DevelopmentFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)4547500651
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.99$ 0.74
Max Cabin Seats281919
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)11929
Standard Cabin Seats191219
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,963$ 2,413
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISGulfstream Symmetry Flight DeckEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)142516155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 29,500,000$78,000,000$2,413,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew241
Total Seats211621
Max Cabin Seats281919
Standard Cabin Seats191219
Crew RestOptional
Jump SeatYes
Galley LocationFWD
Lavatory LocationFWD / AFT
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelMakila 2A1Pearl 700CT7-2E1
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)3500On Condition4000
Horsepower21001983
No. of Engines222
Fuel Capacity (gal)684
Thrust (lbs)18250
Dimensions
Length (ft)63.4109.957.8
Overall Height (ft)16.325.416.6
Rotor Diameter (ft)53.248
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)547395
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