Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Airbus H225 and Leonardo AW189 are both large twin‑engine helicopters aimed at offshore, search‑and‑rescue, and utility transport; they trade speed for vertical access and hover capability. In range, the H225 is generally longer‑legged, commonly cited around the 800–900 km class depending on configuration, while the AW189 is typically around the 700–800 km class. Passenger capacity is broadly similar in high‑density layouts, often up to about 19 seats for each, with mission equipment reducing usable seats. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) MD 902 Explorer is a smaller twin helicopter optimized for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate shuttle work. Its range is notably shorter, roughly in the 500–600 km class, and typical passenger capacity is lower, commonly around 6–8, though it can be configured higher for utility roles. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light jet rather than a helicopter, so it requires runways but offers much higher cruise speed and much longer range, roughly about 3,000–3,700 km, with typical seating around 6–10 passengers depending on interior and payload.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 15.57 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 21 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | AW189 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 651 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 19 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | — | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 2,413 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 155 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $2,413,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 21 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 19 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | — | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | No |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Optional Refreshment Center |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 23500 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2E1 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1983 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 3435 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 57.8 | 52.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 16.6 | 17.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 48 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | 395 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 85 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | — | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 23 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | — | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 90 |