Bell 412epi vs Leonardo Aw139 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer vs Robinson Helicopters R66

The Bell 412EPi and Leonardo AW139/AW189 sit in the medium twin category, aimed at utility, EMS, offshore, and SAR. The AW189 is the largest of the three and typically offers the highest passenger capacity and longest range in this group; the AW139 is slightly smaller with strong range and capacity for its class; the 412EPi generally carries fewer passengers and has shorter range than the AW139/AW189, but remains a proven, versatile twin for hot-and-high and public-service roles. The Leonardo SH09 (often referred to as the single‑engine “AW09”) is a light single, with markedly lower passenger capacity and range than the medium twins, oriented to missions like HEMS, law enforcement, and utility with lower operating cost. MD Helicopters’ MD 500E is a light single with the smallest capacity and comparatively short range, optimized for agility and observation/utility. The MD 902 Explorer is a light twin with modest capacity and range versus medium twins, valued for low external noise. The Robinson R66 is a light single with limited seating and shorter range than the twins, positioned for utility and private/commercial light missions.