AIR.ONE

Bell 412epi vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer vs Sikorsky S 76d

The MD Helicopters MD 500E and MD 902 Explorer sit in the light segment. The MD 500E is a small, short-range utility helicopter typically carrying about 4–5 passengers plus a pilot, while the MD 902 is a larger light twin with roughly 5–7 passengers and generally more range and IFR-friendly mission capability than the 500E. The Bell 412EPi is a medium twin, commonly configured for about 10–13 passengers with solid mid-range performance suited to utility, EMS, and offshore support. The Leonardo AW169 is a modern light-intermediate twin, usually around 6–10 passengers, offering competitive range and speed for corporate, EMS, and public service roles. The Sikorsky S-76D is also in the light-intermediate class, typically 8–12 passengers, often optimized for offshore and executive transport with strong range. The Leonardo AW189 is a larger super-medium, commonly about 16–19 passengers and longer range, aimed heavily at offshore transport and SAR. The Leonardo SH09 is a light single, expected around 4–6 passengers with comparatively shorter range than the twins.

SpecBell 412EPiAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09MD Helicopters MD 500EMD Helicopters MD 902 ExlplorerSikorsky S-76D
Summary
Cockpit2222222
DOC / nm$ 12.09$ 11.84$ 15.57$4.48$ 2.95$ 7.54$ 11.49
Min Crew1111112
Total Seats14122184812
Flight RulesIFRIFRIFRVFRVFRVFRIFR
ManufacturerBellLeonardoLeonardoLeonardoMD HelicotpersMD HelicotpersSikorsky
Aircraft Name412EPiAW169AW189SH09MD 500EMD 902 ExlplorerS-76D
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAIn-DevelopmentFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)361440651430258317441
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.86$ 0.99$ 0.74$0.56$ 0.74$ 0.94$ 0.96
Max Cabin Seats13101963610
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)482914833125
Standard Cabin Seats13101962610
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,487$ 1,658$ 2,413$627$ 398$ 988$ 1,781
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Bell BasiX-ProEFISEFISEFISGyro / AnalogGarmin G500HThales TopDeck
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)123140155140135131155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 12,500,000 $9,450,000 $2,413,000$3,500,000$ 2,750,000 $7,250,000 $14,900,000
Max Passengers7
Cabin
Cockpit2222222
Min Crew1111112
Total Seats14122184812
Max Cabin Seats1310193610
Standard Cabin Seats13101962610
Engine
FADECYesYesYesYesNoNoYes
ModelPT6T-9PW210ACT7-2E1HTS 900250-C20BPW207EPW210S
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)4000400040005500350040004000
Horsepower13701000198310204207101077
No. of Engines2221121
Fuel Burn (gph)1133565
Fuel Capacity (gal)330.564159296
Dimensions
Width (ft)33
Length (ft)52.148.157.830.940.652.5
Overall Height (ft)11.514.816.68.71214.5
Rotor Diameter (ft)464826.433.944
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)220222.5395
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)2849.585