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Leonardo Aw169 vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer vs Sikorsky S 76d

The Leonardo AW169 and Sikorsky S-76D sit in the intermediate twin‑engine helicopter class, typically chosen for offshore, EMS, and executive transport where twin‑engine redundancy and higher cruise performance are valued. The AW169 generally offers a flexible cabin with room for roughly 8–10 passengers in typical transport layouts and has a medium mission radius suited to regional point‑to‑point work. The S-76D is commonly configured around 8 passengers and is often selected for similar missions, with range in the same broad bracket as the AW169, depending heavily on interior fit, reserves, and optional tanks. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a light twin, usually carrying about 6–8 passengers. It is generally shorter‑range than the AW169/S-76D class but can be very competitive for urban EMS and utility roles where operating costs and footprint matter. The Leonardo SH09 is a light single‑engine helicopter concept/variant, placing it in a lower category than the twins and typically implying fewer passengers and shorter range than the AW169 or S-76D, with mission profiles oriented to training, light utility, and short‑haul transport.

SpecAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09MD Helicopters MD 902 ExlplorerSikorsky S-76D
Summary
Cockpit2222
DOC / nm$ 11.84$4.48$ 7.54$ 11.49
Min Crew1112
Total Seats128812
Flight RulesIFRVFRVFRIFR
ManufacturerLeonardoLeonardoMD HelicotpersSikorsky
Aircraft NameAW169SH09MD 902 ExlplorerS-76D
CertificationFAA / EASAIn-DevelopmentFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)440430317441
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.99$0.56$ 0.94$ 0.96
Max Cabin Seats106610
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Standard Cabin Seats106610
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,658$627$ 988$ 1,781
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISEFISGarmin G500HThales TopDeck
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)140140131155
Base Aircraft Price (USD) $9,450,000 $3,500,000 $7,250,000 $14,900,000
Max Passengers7
Useful Load (lbs)3125
Cabin
Cockpit2222
Min Crew1112
Total Seats128812
Max Cabin Seats10610
Standard Cabin Seats106610
Engine
FADECYesYesNoYes
ModelPW210AHTS 900PW207EPW210S
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)4000550040004000
Horsepower100010207101077
No. of Engines2121
Fuel Burn (gph)65
Fuel Capacity (gal)159296
Dimensions
Length (ft)48.140.652.5
Overall Height (ft)14.81214.5
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)222.5
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)49.5
Rotor Diameter (ft)33.944