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

The Leonardo AW189 and Sikorsky S-76D sit in the medium, twin‑engine class aimed at offshore transport, SAR, and corporate utility. Both typically offer the longest legs in this group, roughly in the 400–500+ nautical mile range depending on fit, with the AW189 generally carrying the most people (commonly up to about 16–19 in high‑density layouts, fewer in VIP/mission kits) while the S‑76D is often configured around 12–13 passengers. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a light twin used for EMS, law enforcement, and utility work; its range is usually mid‑pack (often around 300–350 nautical miles) and passenger capacity is commonly around 6–8 depending on interior and mission equipment. The Robinson R66 and MD 500E are light single‑engine helicopters. The R66 is typically used for training, private/VIP light transport, and utility, with about 4–5 seats and a range often around 300+ nautical miles. The MD 500E is a nimble utility/light observation platform, generally carrying about 4–5 and offering shorter-to-moderate range, often roughly 200–300 nautical miles.

SpecAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189MD Helicopters MD 500EMD Helicopters MD 902 ExlplorerROBINSON R66Sikorsky S-76D
Summary
Cockpit22222
DOC / nm$ 15.57$ 2.95$ 7.54$ 3.49$ 11.49
Min Crew11112
Total Seats2148512
Flight RulesIFRVFRVFRVFRIFR
ManufacturerLeonardoMD HelicotpersMD HelicotpersRobinson HelicoptersSikorsky
Aircraft NameAW189MD 500EMD 902 ExlplorerR66S-76D
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)651258317350441
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.74$ 0.74$ 0.94$ 0.70$ 0.96
Max Cabin Seats193610
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Standard Cabin Seats1926310
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,413$ 398$ 988$ 384$ 1,781
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISGyro / AnalogGarmin G500HGyro / AnalogThales TopDeck
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)155135131110155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$2,413,000$ 2,750,000 $7,250,000 $ 920,000 $14,900,000
Useful Load (lbs)148331251355
Cabin
Cockpit22222
Min Crew11112
Total Seats2148512
Max Cabin Seats193610
Standard Cabin Seats1926310
Engine
FADECYesNoNoNoYes
ModelCT7-2E1250-C20BPW207ERR300PW210S
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40003500400020004000
Horsepower19834207103001077
No. of Engines21211
Fuel Burn (gph)3565
Fuel Capacity (gal)6415973.6296
Dimensions
Length (ft)57.830.940.638.352.5
Overall Height (ft)16.68.71211.414.5
Rotor Diameter (ft)4826.433.93344
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)39550
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)8518