Bell 412epi vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer vs Robinson Helicopters R66 vs Sikorsky S 76d
The Bell 412EPi and Leonardo AW189 are medium twin-engine utility helicopters suited to offshore, SAR, and corporate transport; the AW189 generally offers the longest range and the highest passenger capacity (typically up to about 16–19), while the 412EPi usually carries fewer (often up to about 13–15) with solid medium-range capability. The Sikorsky S-76D is a twin-engine medium helicopter optimized for executive and offshore roles, typically seating around 12 passengers with strong range, usually competitive with or better than the 412EPi but commonly less than an AW189 in max cabin load. The MD 902 Explorer is a light twin (NOTAR) aimed at EMS, law enforcement, and utility work, typically carrying about 6–7 passengers with shorter range than the medium twins. The Robinson R66 is a light single-engine turbine helicopter, commonly configured for about 4 passengers, with moderate range for its class. The MD 500E is a light single-engine helicopter, typically carrying about 4 passengers, with relatively short-to-moderate range focused on agility and utility.
| Spec | Bell 412EPi | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | MD Helicopters MD 500E | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer | ROBINSON R66 | Sikorsky S-76D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 12.09 | $ 15.57 | $ 2.95 | $ 7.54 | $ 3.49 | $ 11.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 21 | 4 | 8 | 5 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers | Robinson Helicopters | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | 412EPi | AW189 | MD 500E | MD 902 Exlplorer | R66 | S-76D |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 361 | 651 | 258 | 317 | 350 | 441 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.86 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.94 | $ 0.70 | $ 0.96 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 13 | 19 | 3 | 6 | — | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4829 | — | 1483 | 3125 | 1355 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 13 | 19 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,487 | $ 2,413 | $ 398 | $ 988 | $ 384 | $ 1,781 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H | Gyro / Analog | Thales TopDeck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 123 | 155 | 135 | 131 | 110 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 12,500,000 | $2,413,000 | $ 2,750,000 | $7,250,000 | $ 920,000 | $14,900,000 |
| Cabin | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 21 | 4 | 8 | 5 | 12 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 13 | 19 | 3 | 6 | — | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 13 | 19 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 10 |
| Engine | ||||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Model | PT6T-9 | CT7-2E1 | 250-C20B | PW207E | RR300 | PW210S |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 3500 | 4000 | 2000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1370 | 1983 | 420 | 710 | 300 | 1077 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 113 | — | 35 | 65 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 330.5 | — | 64 | 159 | 73.6 | 296 |
| Dimensions | ||||||
| Width (ft) | 33 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 52.1 | 57.8 | 30.9 | 40.6 | 38.3 | 52.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.5 | 16.6 | 8.7 | 12 | 11.4 | 14.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 46 | 48 | 26.4 | 33.9 | 33 | 44 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 220 | 395 | — | — | 50 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 28 | 85 | — | — | 18 | — |