Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw119kx vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer
The Bell 429 GlobalRanger, Leonardo AW119Kx, and MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer all sit in the light-twin or light-single utility segment but target slightly different missions. The Bell 429 is a light twin-engine, IFR-capable, multi-mission helicopter commonly used for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport; among the three it generally offers the longest practical range, with typical figures around the mid-300 nautical mile class depending on fit and reserves. The Leonardo AW119Kx is a light single-engine helicopter optimized for performance, simplicity, and operating cost; its range is typically somewhat shorter than the Bell 429 but often comparable to other light singles, commonly around the low-to-mid-300 nautical mile class. The MD 902 Explorer is a light twin with the NOTAR anti-torque system, valued for low external noise and safety margins; its range is usually in the roughly 250–350 nautical mile class depending on configuration. For passenger capacity, the Bell 429 is typically configured for 6–7 passengers plus crew, the AW119Kx commonly carries about 6–7 passengers plus crew, and the MD 902 is often arranged for about 5–7 passengers plus crew, with all varying by interior and mission equipment.
| Spec | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119Kx | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.29 | $ 6.76 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | 429 GlobalRanger | AW119Kx | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 365 | 515 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.84 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2535 | — | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 931 | $ 885 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | Garmin G1000H | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 148 | 131 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $7,500,000 | $3,850,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | PW207D1 | PT6B-37A | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4500 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1100 | 917 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 76 | — | 65 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 216.9 | 160 | 159 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 26.37 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 43 | 42.5 | 40.6 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4 | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 6.58 | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.25 | 11.9 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36 | 35.5 | 33.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 130 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 74 | — | — |