Bell 429 Globalranger vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer vs Airbus Helicopters H145
Aircraft can be compared broadly by category, which usually determines both range and passenger capacity. Single‑engine pistons and light twins are typically used for training and short personal or business trips; they carry about 2 to 8 passengers and commonly fly a few hundred to around 1,500 miles depending on speed, fuel, and reserves. Business jets span light, midsize, and large-cabin classes, generally seating about 6 to 19 passengers; their range can vary from roughly 1,500 miles for light jets to 6,000+ miles for long‑range models designed for transoceanic missions. Turboprop regional aircraft are efficient on shorter routes, often carrying about 30 to 80 passengers with ranges around 800 to 2,000 miles. Narrowbody airliners serve most domestic and short‑haul international markets, typically seating about 120 to 240 passengers with ranges roughly 2,000 to 4,000+ miles. Widebody airliners are built for long‑haul travel, commonly carrying about 250 to 450+ passengers and reaching approximately 6,000 to 9,000+ miles, trading higher capacity and comfort for greater operating complexity and cost.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 6.29 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | 429 GlobalRanger | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 365 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 2535 | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 931 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 148 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $7,500,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1100 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | 65 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 159 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 43 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 13.25 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36 | 33.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 130 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 74 | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | — |