Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New
In category, the Airbus H125 and H130 are single‑engine light helicopters, typically favored for utility, tourism, and high‑hot operations, while the Airbus H145, Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger, and Leonardo AW109 Grand New are twin‑engine light/medium types oriented more toward IFR-capable EMS, law enforcement, and executive transport. For range, the H125 and H130 generally sit in a similar light‑single band, often around the mid‑500 to ~600 km class depending on configuration, whereas the H145 and Bell 429 typically offer longer twin‑engine mission reach, commonly around ~600–700+ km. The AW109 Grand New is also in the comparable twin‑engine range bracket and can be competitive on longer legs depending on fuel fit and reserves. In passenger capacity, the H125 commonly carries about 5–6 passengers, the H130 about 6–7, and the H145 typically about 8–9 in high‑density layouts. The Bell 429 generally seats about 6–7 passengers, while the AW109 Grand New is usually configured around 6–7 passengers in executive layouts. Actual figures vary with interior, fuel, payload, and regulatory reserves.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 5.00 | $ 9.31 | $ 6.05 | $ 7.31 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H130 | H145 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW109 Grand New |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 333 | 352 | 381 | 464 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.91 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 9 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2299 | 4200 | 2528 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 640 | $ 1,210 | $ 931 | $ 1,140 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 128 | 130 | 154 | 156 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,450,000 | $10,200,000 | $7,700,000 | $ 7,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 9 | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Configuration | — | — | Green Interior | — | — |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 952 | 894 | 1100 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 143 | — | 216.9 | 152 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | — | 76 | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.5 | 44.8 | 43 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.1 | 13 | 12.39 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35.1 | 36.1 | 36 | 35.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 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 | — |