Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer vs Sikorsky S 76d
Leonardo’s SH09 is a light, single‑engine helicopter concept aimed at the entry/utility and light executive category. It is expected to offer a shorter overall range than larger twin‑engine executives, and a typical passenger load in the light class, generally around four to five passengers plus pilot depending on configuration. The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer sits in the light twin category and is commonly used for EMS, law enforcement, and utility missions. It generally provides a moderate range suitable for regional missions and typically carries about five to seven passengers (or mission equipment/medical fit) plus crew, depending on interior layout. The Sikorsky S‑76D is a medium, twin‑engine executive/offsore‑capable helicopter. Among the three, it is usually the longest‑range option in typical passenger configurations and also offers the highest practical passenger capacity, commonly configured for around eight passengers (with variations by operator), making it the strongest fit for corporate transport and longer overwater or offshore legs.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer | Sikorsky S-76D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $4.48 | $ 7.54 | $ 11.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | SH09 | MD 902 Exlplorer | S-76D |
| Certification | In-Development | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Passengers | 7 | — | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 430 | 317 | 441 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $0.56 | $ 0.94 | $ 0.96 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $627 | $ 988 | $ 1,781 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G500H | Thales TopDeck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 140 | 131 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,500,000 | $7,250,000 | $14,900,000 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 3125 | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 | 12 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 10 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 6 | 10 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | No | Yes |
| Model | HTS 900 | PW207E | PW210S |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5500 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1020 | 710 | 1077 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 65 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 159 | 296 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | — | 40.6 | 52.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 12 | 14.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 33.9 | 44 |