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.
| Spec | Bell 412EPi | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 | MD Helicopters MD 500E | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer | Sikorsky S-76D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 12.09 | $ 11.84 | $ 15.57 | $4.48 | $ 2.95 | $ 7.54 | $ 11.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 12 | 21 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | 412EPi | AW169 | AW189 | SH09 | MD 500E | MD 902 Exlplorer | S-76D |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 361 | 440 | 651 | 430 | 258 | 317 | 441 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.86 | $ 0.99 | $ 0.74 | $0.56 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.94 | $ 0.96 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 13 | 10 | 19 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4829 | — | — | — | 1483 | 3125 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 13 | 10 | 19 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,487 | $ 1,658 | $ 2,413 | $627 | $ 398 | $ 988 | $ 1,781 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H | Thales TopDeck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 123 | 140 | 155 | 140 | 135 | 131 | 155 |
| 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 Passengers | — | — | — | 7 | — | — | — |
| Cabin | |||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 12 | 21 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 12 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 13 | 10 | 19 | — | 3 | 6 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 13 | 10 | 19 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 10 |
| Engine | |||||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Model | PT6T-9 | PW210A | CT7-2E1 | HTS 900 | 250-C20B | PW207E | PW210S |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 5500 | 3500 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1370 | 1000 | 1983 | 1020 | 420 | 710 | 1077 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 113 | — | — | — | 35 | 65 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 330.5 | — | — | — | 64 | 159 | 296 |
| Dimensions | |||||||
| Width (ft) | 33 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 52.1 | 48.1 | 57.8 | — | 30.9 | 40.6 | 52.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.5 | 14.8 | 16.6 | — | 8.7 | 12 | 14.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 46 | — | 48 | — | 26.4 | 33.9 | 44 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 220 | 222.5 | 395 | — | — | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 28 | 49.5 | 85 | — | — | — | — |