Bell 412epi vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer
In category, the Bell 412EPi and Leonardo AW169 are medium twin‑engine utility helicopters, typically chosen for SAR, EMS, and offshore or public‑service missions where lift and cabin volume matter. The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger and MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer sit closer to the light twin‑engine segment, emphasizing speed, agility, and lower operating footprint, with the 902 also notable for its NOTAR anti‑torque system. For range, the AW169 and Bell 412EPi generally offer the strongest mission radius in typical configurations, with the 412EPi often favored when carrying heavier loads over practical distances and the AW169 offering efficient cross‑country performance. The Bell 429WLG usually provides solid medium range for its class, while the MD 902 tends to be comparable or slightly shorter depending on fit and reserves. For passenger capacity, the Bell 412EPi typically carries the most, commonly accommodating around 13–14 passengers. The AW169 follows with roughly 8–10 seats depending on layout. The Bell 429WLG is commonly configured for about 6–8 passengers. The MD 902 Explorer is usually in the 6–8 passenger range as well, with configurations varying by mission equipment.
| Spec | Bell 412EPi | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 12.09 | $ 6.05 | $ 11.84 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 8 | 12 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Bell | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | 412EPi | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW169 | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 361 | 381 | 440 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.86 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.99 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 13 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4829 | 2528 | — | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 13 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,487 | $ 931 | $ 1,658 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 123 | 154 | 140 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 12,500,000 | $7,700,000 | $9,450,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 8 | 12 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 13 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 13 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | PT6T-9 | PW207D1 | PW210A | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1370 | 1100 | 1000 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 113 | 76 | — | 65 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 330.5 | 216.9 | — | 159 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Width (ft) | 33 | 26.37 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 52.1 | 43 | 48.1 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.5 | 12.39 | 14.8 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 46 | 36 | — | 33.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 220 | 130 | 222.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 28 | 74 | 49.5 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | — | — |