Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H135
The Airbus Helicopters H125 is best described as a light single-engine utility helicopter, while the H135 is a light twin-engine helicopter oriented toward multi-role work where redundancy and low noise matter. In category terms, the H125 is typically favored for rugged operations such as external load, aerial work, and high-and-hot flying, whereas the H135 is commonly selected for passenger transport, law enforcement, and especially HEMS/EMS missions where twin-engine performance and safety margins are priorities. For range, both sit in broadly similar territory for light helicopters, but the H125 often offers slightly longer endurance in typical utility configurations, while the H135’s range varies more with mission equipment and cabin fit. In passenger capacity, the H125 usually carries a pilot plus around five to six passengers depending on configuration and weight limits, while the H135 commonly carries a pilot plus six to seven passengers in a standard passenger layout, or fewer when configured for medical interiors and specialized equipment.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H135 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 6.33 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 9 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H135 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 342 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.79 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 3124 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 861 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 136 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $6,150,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 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 | 847 | 660 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 33.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 12.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 34 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 |