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Leonardo Aw169 vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii

The Leonardo AW169 is a modern light-intermediate twin‑engine helicopter, typically configured for about 8 to 10 passengers, and it offers the greatest practical range of this group, commonly on the order of roughly 400–450 nautical miles depending on fuel fit and mission profile. The Leonardo SH09 is a newer light single‑engine design aimed at utility and EMS-style roles; it generally seats around 5 to 8 occupants depending on configuration, and its expected range is broadly in the mid‑300 nautical mile class, varying with final certification and equipment choices. The MD Helicopters MD 500E is a light single‑engine turbine in the “hot-and-high” utility/scout category, usually carrying about 4 passengers plus a pilot, with a typical range around 200–300 nautical miles. The Robinson R44 Raven II is a light single‑engine piston helicopter used heavily for training and private travel; it carries 3 passengers plus a pilot and typically achieves about 300 nautical miles of range with reserves, depending on power setting and conditions.

SpecAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09MD Helicopters MD 500EROBINSON R44 Raven II
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 11.84$4.48$ 2.95$ 2.36
Min Crew111
Total Seats12844
Flight RulesIFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerLeonardoLeonardoMD HelicotpersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft NameAW169SH09MD 500ER44 Raven II
CertificationFAA / EASAIn-DevelopmentFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)440430258300
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.99$0.56$ 0.74$ 0.59
Max Cabin Seats1063
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Standard Cabin Seats1062
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,658$627$ 398$ 257
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISEFISGyro / AnalogGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)140140135109
Base Aircraft Price (USD) $9,450,000 $3,500,000$ 2,750,000$ 490,000
Max Passengers7
Useful Load (lbs)1483995
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats12844
Max Cabin Seats103
Standard Cabin Seats1062
Engine
FADECYesYesNoNo
ModelPW210AHTS 900250-C20BIO-540
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelAvGas
TBO (hrs)4000550035002200
Horsepower10001020420245
No. of Engines2111
Fuel Burn (gph)35
Fuel Capacity (gal)6429.5
TBO (yrs)12
Fuel DeliveryFuel Injected
Dimensions
Length (ft)48.130.938.3
Overall Height (ft)14.88.710.8
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)222.5
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)49.5
Rotor Diameter (ft)26.433
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)2.5