AIR.ONE

Leonardo Aw139 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer vs Robinson Helicopters R66 vs Sikorsky S 76d

The Leonardo AW139 and Sikorsky S-76D sit in the medium twin category, typically used for offshore, EMS, and corporate transport; both offer solid range for regional missions and generally seat around 8–12 passengers depending on interior fit, with the AW139 often configured toward the higher end. The Leonardo AW189 is a larger heavy twin optimized for offshore work, with longer legs and more cabin volume than the AW139/S-76D class, commonly accommodating roughly 16–19 passengers in transport layouts. The Leonardo SH09 is a light single, aimed at utility and training roles; it offers shorter range than the twins and typically carries about 4–5 occupants. MD Helicopters’ MD 500E is a light single with modest range and usually 4–5 seats, favoring agility and low operating cost. The MD 902 Explorer is a light twin with more redundancy and a larger cabin than the 500E, generally seating about 6–8 with medium-range capability. The Robinson R66 is a light single positioned between the small trainers and larger utility aircraft, with moderate range and typically 4–5 seats.

SpecAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09MD Helicopters MD 500EMD Helicopters MD 902 ExlplorerROBINSON R66Sikorsky S-76D
Summary
Cockpit2222222
DOC / nm$ 11.69$ 15.57$4.48$ 2.95$ 7.54$ 3.49$ 11.49
Min Crew2111112
Total Seats1721848512
Flight RulesIFRIFRVFRVFRVFRVFRIFR
ManufacturerLeonardoLeonardoLeonardoMD HelicotpersMD HelicotpersRobinson HelicoptersSikorsky
Aircraft NameAW139AW189SH09MD 500EMD 902 ExlplorerR66S-76D
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAIn-DevelopmentFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)573651430258317350441
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.69$ 0.74$0.56$ 0.74$ 0.94$ 0.70$ 0.96
Max Cabin Seats151963610
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)4701148331251355
Standard Cabin Seats1519626310
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,929$ 2,413$627$ 398$ 988$ 384$ 1,781
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISEFISEFISGyro / AnalogGarmin G500HGyro / AnalogThales TopDeck
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)165155140135131110155
Base Aircraft Price (USD) $15,900,000 $2,413,000$3,500,000$ 2,750,000 $7,250,000 $ 920,000 $14,900,000
Max Passengers7
Cabin
Cockpit2222222
Min Crew2111112
Total Seats1721848512
Max Cabin Seats15193610
Standard Cabin Seats1519626310
Engine
FADECYesYesYesNoNoNoYes
ModelPT6C-67CCT7-2E1HTS 900250-C20BPW207ERR300PW210S
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)5000400055003500400020004000
Horsepower1679198310204207103001077
No. of Engines2211211
Fuel Capacity (gal)4146415973.6296
Fuel Burn (gph)3565
Dimensions
Length (ft)54.757.830.940.638.352.5
Overall Height (ft)16.416.68.71211.414.5
Rotor Diameter (ft)54.74826.433.93344
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)28239550
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)1208518