Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii
The Airbus Helicopters H125 (AS350) is a single‑engine light utility helicopter aimed at cost‑effective work and passenger transport; it typically carries a pilot plus about five to six passengers and offers medium range, generally in the roughly 330–350 nautical mile class depending on fit and reserves. The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a twin‑engine light helicopter positioned for higher redundancy and intensive missions like EMS and corporate flying; it usually seats one to two pilots with about five to six passengers, and its range is broadly similar or slightly higher than the H125 in many configurations, commonly around the mid‑300 nautical mile class. The Leonardo AW109 Grand New is a twin‑engine light/intermediate, faster and more executive‑oriented; it commonly accommodates one to two pilots with six to seven passengers and tends to provide the longest range of this group, often around 500 nautical miles with typical reserves depending on equipment. The Robinson R44 Raven II is a smaller, piston single in the light trainer/tour category; it carries a pilot plus three passengers and has the shortest range here, commonly around 300 nautical miles.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H135 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | ROBINSON R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 6.33 | $ 7.31 | $ 2.36 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 9 | 8 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H135 | AW109 Grand New | R44 Raven II |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 342 | 464 | 300 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.59 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 6 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 3124 | — | 995 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 6 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 861 | $ 1,140 | $ 257 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | EFIS | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 136 | 156 | 109 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $6,150,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $ 490,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 9 | 8 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 6 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 6 | — |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207C | IO-540 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 2200 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 660 | 735 | 245 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 152 | 29.5 |
| TBO (yrs) | — | — | — | 12 |
| Fuel Delivery | — | — | — | Fuel Injected |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 33.5 | 42.5 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 12.6 | 11.5 | 10.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 34 | 35.5 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | — | 2.5 |