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Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer

The Airbus H225 is the largest and most long‑range option of the three, positioned as a heavy twin‑engine helicopter for offshore transport, SAR, and utility missions. It typically carries the most passengers in an airline-style layout (often around 16–19, depending on configuration) and generally offers the greatest range, commonly on the order of roughly 700–900 km in typical mission fit. The Leonardo (Agusta) AW189 sits in the super‑medium class, also a twin‑engine design optimized for offshore and SAR, but smaller than the H225. Passenger capacity is usually in the mid‑teens (commonly about 12–16), with range generally comparable to or slightly below the H225 depending on tanks and payload, often roughly 700–900 km. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a much lighter twin‑engine helicopter aimed at corporate, law enforcement, EMS, and utility roles. It carries fewer passengers (typically about 6–8) and has a notably shorter range than the other two, commonly in the neighborhood of roughly 500–650 km.

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