Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer
The Bell 505 JetRanger X is a light single‑engine helicopter aimed at basic utility, training, and short‑range executive use. It typically carries a pilot plus up to four passengers (depending on configuration) and offers comparatively modest range relative to the twin‑engine models. The Leonardo AW109 Trekker is a light twin positioned for faster point‑to‑point travel and multi‑role work (EMS, utility, corporate). It generally seats about six to seven passengers and provides a longer, more flexible range than the Bell 505, especially with auxiliary fuel options. The Leonardo AW169 sits a class higher as an intermediate twin for offshore, EMS, and VIP missions, commonly accommodating around eight to ten passengers with materially greater range and payload capability than the AW109. The Leonardo SH09 is a modern light single intended for cost‑efficient operations; it targets roughly four to six seats and range broadly comparable to other light singles, typically below the light and intermediate twins. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a light twin optimized for law enforcement, EMS, and utility. It usually carries about five to seven passengers and offers range generally in the light‑twin bracket, often comparable to AW109-class missions but below AW169-class capability.
| Spec | Bell 505 JetRanger X | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.53 | $ 7.40 | $ 11.84 | $4.48 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 5 | 8 | 12 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | 505 JetRanger X | AW109 Trekker | AW169 | SH09 | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 306 | 450 | 440 | 430 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.99 | $0.56 | $ 0.94 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1500 | — | — | — | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | 6 | 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 441 | $ 1,125 | $ 1,658 | $627 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H | Genesys Aerosystems | EFIS | EFIS | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 125 | 152 | 140 | 140 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $1,445,000 | $6,950,000 | $9,450,000 | $3,500,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 6 | 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Max Passengers | — | — | — | 7 | — |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 5 | 8 | 12 | 8 | 8 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | 6 | 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 6 | 10 | — | 6 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arrius 2R | PW207C | PW210A | HTS 900 | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 5500 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 505 | 735 | 1000 | 1020 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 32.3 | — | — | — | 65 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 84.85 | 152 | — | — | 159 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Width (ft) | 6.51 | — | — | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 42.48 | 42.5 | 48.1 | — | 40.6 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.66 | — | — | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 2.75 | — | — | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 7.17 | — | — | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.65 | 11.5 | 14.8 | — | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 37 | 35.5 | — | — | 33.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 137 | — | 222.5 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 18 | — | 49.5 | — | — |