Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw119kx vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer
The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger is generally positioned as a light, twin‑engine utility helicopter optimized for multi‑mission use and higher redundancy, while the Leonardo AW119Kx is a light, single‑engine helicopter that emphasizes simplicity, strong hot‑and‑high performance, and lower operating complexity. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is also a light, twin‑engine platform, notable for its NOTAR anti‑torque system and a design focus on reduced tail‑rotor hazards and external noise. On range, all three compete in broadly similar light‑helicopter mission profiles, but typical planning tends to place the AW119Kx toward the higher end among these due to its efficient single‑engine cruise, with the Bell 429 close behind depending on configuration and reserves, and the MD 902 commonly somewhat shorter in typical fit-outs. For passenger capacity, the Bell 429 and MD 902 usually offer the larger cabins in this group, commonly arranged for about six to seven passengers plus one or two pilots depending on mission layout, while the AW119Kx typically carries about five to six passengers plus a pilot, again varying with interior, fuel, and equipment.
| Spec | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119Kx | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.05 | $ 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 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW119Kx | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 381 | 515 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.76 | $ 0.84 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2528 | — | 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) | 154 | 131 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $7,700,000 | $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) | 12.39 | 11.9 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36 | 35.5 | 33.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 130 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 74 | — | — |