Bell 412epi vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer vs Robinson Helicopters R66 vs Sikorsky S 76d
The Bell 412EPi and Leonardo AW189 sit in the medium, twin‑engine utility/transport category, optimized for carrying larger teams and equipment. The AW189 is generally the longer‑range platform and typically offers the highest passenger capacity of the group, commonly configured around the mid‑teens, while the 412EPi is also high‑capacity, often in the low‑to‑mid teens, with solid medium‑range performance. The Sikorsky S‑76D is a twin‑engine intermediate/light‑medium helicopter most associated with offshore and corporate missions; it usually carries fewer passengers than the AW189 but remains competitive in range and speed, often seating about 8 to 12 depending on layout. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a light twin aimed at EMS/law‑enforcement and utility roles, with shorter range than the larger twins and a more modest cabin, commonly around 6 to 8 passengers. The Robinson R66 is a light single‑engine turbine helicopter, best for smaller teams and lower operating cost, with the smallest typical passenger load (about 4 to 5) and generally the shortest range among these.
| Spec | Bell 412EPi | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer | ROBINSON R66 | Sikorsky S-76D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 12.09 | $ 15.57 | $ 7.54 | $ 3.49 | $ 11.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 21 | 8 | 5 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers | Robinson Helicopters | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | 412EPi | AW189 | MD 902 Exlplorer | R66 | S-76D |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 361 | 651 | 317 | 350 | 441 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.86 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.94 | $ 0.70 | $ 0.96 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 13 | 19 | 6 | — | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4829 | — | 3125 | 1355 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 13 | 19 | 6 | 3 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,487 | $ 2,413 | $ 988 | $ 384 | $ 1,781 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | Garmin G500H | Gyro / Analog | Thales TopDeck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 123 | 155 | 131 | 110 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 12,500,000 | $2,413,000 | $7,250,000 | $ 920,000 | $14,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 21 | 8 | 5 | 12 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 13 | 19 | 6 | — | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 13 | 19 | 6 | 3 | 10 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Model | PT6T-9 | CT7-2E1 | PW207E | RR300 | PW210S |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 2000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1370 | 1983 | 710 | 300 | 1077 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 113 | — | 65 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 330.5 | — | 159 | 73.6 | 296 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Width (ft) | 33 | — | — | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 52.1 | 57.8 | 40.6 | 38.3 | 52.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.5 | 16.6 | 12 | 11.4 | 14.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 46 | 48 | 33.9 | 33 | 44 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 220 | 395 | — | 50 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 28 | 85 | — | 18 | — |