Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H160
The Airbus Helicopters H125 and H130 are light single‑engine helicopters, typically chosen for utility work, tourism, and private transport. The H125 generally offers the greatest practical versatility in the single‑engine group, while the H130 is oriented toward smoother, quieter passenger operations with a roomy cabin. Both usually carry a pilot plus about five to six passengers, and their ranges are commonly in the roughly 330–360+ nautical mile class depending on configuration. The H135 and H145 are light twin‑engine helicopters, favored where twin‑engine performance, redundancy, and IFR/EMS capability matter. The H135 is often configured for about five to six passengers (or medical interiors), while the larger‑cabin H145 commonly seats around seven to eight passengers. Typical ranges for both are broadly similar to the singles, often around the mid‑300‑nautical‑mile bracket, varying with tanks and payload. The H160 is a newer‑generation medium twin, positioned above the H145 with more cabin volume, higher cruise efficiency, and longer legs; it’s commonly configured for roughly eight to twelve passengers and can reach around 450–480 nautical miles in many layouts.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | AIRBUS H160 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 14 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H130 | H135 | H145 | H160 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 333 | 342 | 352 | 460 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2299 | 3124 | 4200 | 3992 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 12 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 640 | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H | Helionix | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 128 | 136 | 130 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $14,000,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 14 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 12 |
| Configuration | — | — | Green Interior | Green Interior | Green Interior |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | HE Arrano |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 952 | 660 | 894 | — |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 143 | — | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.5 | 33.5 | 44.8 | 39.4 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.1 | 12.6 | 13 | 13.1 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35.1 | 34 | 36.1 | 45.2 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 173 | 166 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | — | 46.8 | — |