AIR.ONE

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.

SpecBell 429WLG GlobalRangerAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119KxMD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 6.05$ 6.76$ 7.54
Min Crew111
Total Seats888
Flight RulesIFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerBellLeonardoMD Helicotpers
Aircraft Name429WLG GlobalRangerAW119KxMD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)381515317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.76$ 0.84$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats666
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)25283125
Standard Cabin Seats666
Direct Operating Cost$ 931$ 885$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Bell BasiX-ProGarmin G1000HGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)154131131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$7,700,000 $3,850,000 $7,250,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats888
Max Cabin Seats666
Standard Cabin Seats666
Engine
FADECYesYesNo
ModelPW207D1PT6B-37APW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400045004000
Horsepower1100917710
No. of Engines212
Fuel Burn (gph)7665
Fuel Capacity (gal)216.9160159
Dimensions
Width (ft)26.37
Length (ft)4342.540.6
Cabin Width (ft)5
Cabin Height (ft)4
Cabin Length (ft)6.58
Overall Height (ft)12.3911.912
Rotor Diameter (ft)3635.533.9
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)130
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)74