Airbus vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135
The Airbus Helicopters H130 and H135 sit in different light-helicopter categories and are optimized for different missions. The H130 is a light single‑engine helicopter, commonly chosen for sightseeing, private/VIP transport, and utility roles where a roomy cabin and lower operating complexity are valued. The H135 is a light twin‑engine helicopter, widely used for emergency medical services, law enforcement, and corporate transport where redundancy and higher all‑weather/mission availability are priorities. In range, both are broadly comparable in typical real‑world use, but the H130 generally offers slightly longer legs in standard configurations, while the H135’s range varies more depending on equipment fit and mission payload, often trading endurance for twin‑engine performance and onboard systems. For passenger capacity, the H130 usually carries one pilot plus up to seven passengers in a high‑density layout, making it strong for tourism and shuttle work. The H135 typically carries one or two pilots plus about five to six passengers in passenger configurations, though it is frequently configured for specialized interiors such as EMS, which reduces seated passenger count.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | H135 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 342 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 3124 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 861 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 136 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 660 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 33.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 12.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 34 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 |