Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piaggio Avanti Evo
The Airbus H225 is a heavy twin-engine helicopter optimized for offshore transport, SAR, and utility work; it typically carries the most passengers of this group (often around 16–19 in offshore layouts) and offers long helicopter range (roughly 450–500+ nautical miles depending on fit and reserves). The Leonardo AW189 is a super‑medium twin positioned below the H225; it commonly seats about 16–19 and delivers comparable mission flexibility with somewhat shorter but still robust range (about 450+ nautical miles typical). The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) MD 902 Explorer is a light twin (NOTAR) helicopter focused on EMS, law enforcement, and corporate shuttles; it carries fewer passengers (commonly 6–8, up to about 9) and has a shorter range (roughly 250–350 nautical miles). The Piaggio Avanti EVO is not a helicopter but a twin‑turboprop airplane; it trades vertical lift for higher cruise speed and longer range, typically seating 6–9 passengers with range around 1,400+ nautical miles, making it best for point‑to‑point regional travel rather than offshore hoisting or confined-area operations.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Piaggio Avanti EVO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 15.57 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 21 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Piaggio |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | AW189 | Avanti EVO |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 651 | 1530 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 0.74 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 19 | 7 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | — | 3775 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 2,413 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 155 | 400 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $2,413,000 | $ 7,695,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 21 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 19 | 7 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | — | No |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 9 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | No |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 24000 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 6600 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2E1 | PT6A–66B |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1983 | 850 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 28 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 100 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 57.8 | 47.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 16.6 | 13.1 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 48 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | 395 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 85 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | — | 47.1 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 6.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 5.8 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 14.9 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 3.5 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 35.2 |