Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429 Globalranger
The Airbus Helicopters H125 is a single‑engine light utility helicopter, typically carrying about five to six passengers (depending on configuration) and offering a moderate range suited to short-to-medium missions. The H130 is also single‑engine but optimized for passenger comfort and tourism/charter work; it generally carries more (often six to seven passengers) with a broadly similar, moderate range profile. The H135 is a light twin‑engine helicopter aimed at EMS, law enforcement, and corporate use; it usually seats five to seven passengers and provides a moderate range, often comparable to or slightly better than the single‑engine types depending on fit-out. The H145 is a larger, more capable light/medium twin; it commonly accommodates seven to nine passengers (and can be configured for more seating in some layouts) and typically offers a moderate-to-strong range for its class. The Bell 429 GlobalRanger is a light twin positioned close to the H145 in role; it generally carries about six to seven passengers with a range that is often competitive with the H145/H135 class, depending on equipment and reserves. In practice, H130/H125 emphasize single‑engine simplicity, while H135/H145 and Bell 429 emphasize twin‑engine capability and mission flexibility.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | $ 6.29 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H130 | H135 | H145 | 429 GlobalRanger |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 333 | 342 | 352 | 365 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.79 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2299 | 3124 | 4200 | 2535 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 640 | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | $ 931 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H | Helionix | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 128 | 136 | 130 | 148 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $7,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| Configuration | — | — | Green Interior | Green Interior | — |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 952 | 660 | 894 | 1100 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 143 | — | — | 216.9 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | — | — | 76 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.5 | 33.5 | 44.8 | 43 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.1 | 12.6 | 13 | 13.25 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35.1 | 34 | 36.1 | 36 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 173 | 166 | 130 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | — | 46.8 | 74 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | — | — | 26.37 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | — | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | — | — | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | — | — | 6.58 |