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Leonardo Aw119kx vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer

The Leonardo AW119Kx (Koala) and the MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer are both light utility helicopters, but they target slightly different missions. The AW119Kx is a single‑engine aircraft often chosen for training, utility work, and cost‑sensitive passenger transport, while the MD 902 is a twin‑engine design commonly positioned for public safety, offshore support, and other roles where twin‑engine redundancy is valued. In range, the AW119Kx is typically competitive for its class and is often quoted around the mid‑300 nautical mile bracket depending on configuration and reserves, whereas the MD 902 is commonly cited in a similar general neighborhood but varies substantially with payload, fuel options, and mission profile. For passenger capacity, the AW119Kx generally carries one pilot plus up to six passengers in a standard layout, while the MD 902 typically accommodates one or two pilots and up to about seven passengers, with arrangements depending on mission equipment and cabin configuration.

SpecAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119KxMD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 6.76$ 7.54
Min Crew11
Total Seats88
Flight RulesVFRVFR
ManufacturerLeonardoMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameAW119KxMD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)515317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.84$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats66
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Standard Cabin Seats66
Direct Operating Cost$ 885$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000HGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)131131
Base Aircraft Price (USD) $3,850,000 $7,250,000
Useful Load (lbs)3125
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats88
Max Cabin Seats66
Standard Cabin Seats66
Engine
FADECYesNo
ModelPT6B-37APW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)45004000
Horsepower917710
No. of Engines12
Fuel Capacity (gal)160159
Fuel Burn (gph)65
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.540.6
Overall Height (ft)11.912
Rotor Diameter (ft)35.533.9