Bell 412epi vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer vs Sikorsky S 76d
The Bell 412EPi is a proven medium twin used for utility and public-service work; it typically offers moderate range and seats about 10–13 passengers depending on layout. The Leonardo AW169 is a modern light‑intermediate twin aimed at EMS, offshore and corporate roles; it generally provides moderate-to-good range and usually carries about 8–10 passengers in executive or utility seating. The Leonardo AW189 is a larger super‑medium twin optimized for offshore transport and SAR; it delivers the longest range of this group and commonly seats about 16–19 passengers. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a light twin (with NOTAR anti‑torque) often used for EMS and law enforcement; it has the shortest range here and typically seats about 6–8 passengers. The Sikorsky S‑76D is a light‑intermediate twin with strong IFR and corporate/offshore credentials; it offers good range and usually carries about 8–12 passengers. Overall, AW189 leads on capacity and range, MD 902 is the smallest, and the 412EPi, AW169, and S‑76D cluster in the middle with different mission emphases.
| Spec | Bell 412EPi | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer | Sikorsky S-76D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 12.09 | $ 11.84 | $ 15.57 | $ 7.54 | $ 11.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 12 | 21 | 8 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | 412EPi | AW169 | AW189 | MD 902 Exlplorer | S-76D |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 361 | 440 | 651 | 317 | 441 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.86 | $ 0.99 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.94 | $ 0.96 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 13 | 10 | 19 | 6 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4829 | — | — | 3125 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 13 | 10 | 19 | 6 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,487 | $ 1,658 | $ 2,413 | $ 988 | $ 1,781 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | EFIS | Garmin G500H | Thales TopDeck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 123 | 140 | 155 | 131 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 12,500,000 | $9,450,000 | $2,413,000 | $7,250,000 | $14,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 12 | 21 | 8 | 12 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 13 | 10 | 19 | 6 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 13 | 10 | 19 | 6 | 10 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Model | PT6T-9 | PW210A | CT7-2E1 | PW207E | PW210S |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1370 | 1000 | 1983 | 710 | 1077 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 113 | — | — | 65 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 330.5 | — | — | 159 | 296 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Width (ft) | 33 | — | — | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 52.1 | 48.1 | 57.8 | 40.6 | 52.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.5 | 14.8 | 16.6 | 12 | 14.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 46 | — | 48 | 33.9 | 44 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 220 | 222.5 | 395 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 28 | 49.5 | 85 | — | — |