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.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119Kx | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.76 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | AW119Kx | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 515 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 885 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 131 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,850,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 3125 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | PT6B-37A | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4500 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 917 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 160 | 159 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 65 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.9 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.5 | 33.9 |