Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145
Airbus Helicopters’ H125, H135, and H145 sit in different light-helicopter niches. The H125 (AS350 family) is a light single-engine utility helicopter, typically chosen for high-altitude performance, external-load work, and general utility. It generally offers the longest range of the three, commonly in the roughly 330–360 nm class depending on configuration, and it usually carries about 5 passengers plus a pilot (with some layouts allowing up to 6 passengers). The H135 is a light twin-engine helicopter optimized for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport where twin-engine redundancy and low noise matter. Its range is typically mid-pack, often around 300–340 nm, and cabin layouts commonly seat about 5–6 passengers plus one or two pilots. The H145 is a larger light twin-engine helicopter with the most cabin volume and payload flexibility in this group, frequently used for EMS, offshore support, and utility roles. Its typical range is similar to or slightly better than the H135 (often around 330–360 nm), and it commonly accommodates about 7–8 passengers plus one or two pilots.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 9 | 10 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H135 | H145 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 342 | 352 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 3124 | 4200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 861 | $ 1,210 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 136 | 130 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 9 | 10 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 9 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 8 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | Green Interior |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 660 | 894 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 33.5 | 44.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 12.6 | 13 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 34 | 36.1 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 | 166 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 46.8 |