Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Robinson Helicopters R66
The Airbus Helicopters H125 is a single‑engine utility helicopter typically used for workhorse missions such as sling load, patrol, and tourism. It generally offers a practical range in the mid‑300 nautical mile class (depending on fit and reserves) and commonly carries the pilot plus about five to six passengers in standard seating. The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a twin‑engine light helicopter optimized for EMS, corporate, and law‑enforcement roles. Compared with the H125 it usually trades some cabin density for systems redundancy and smoother multi‑role fitouts, with a typical range around the low‑to‑mid‑300 nautical mile class and seating often around the pilot plus five to six passengers, though medical interiors vary. The Leonardo AW109 Grand New is a twin‑engine, higher‑performance light helicopter aimed at VIP/corporate and fast point‑to‑point transport. It generally delivers a longer typical range (often around the mid‑400 nautical mile class) and usually seats six to seven passengers plus one or two pilots, depending on configuration. The Robinson R66 is a single‑engine light helicopter positioned as a cost‑effective private and utility platform. It typically seats the pilot plus four passengers and offers a practical range around the low‑to‑mid‑300 nautical mile class.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H135 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 6.33 | $ 7.31 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 9 | 8 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H135 | AW109 Grand New | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 342 | 464 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 6 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 3124 | — | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 6 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 861 | $ 1,140 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | EFIS | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 136 | 156 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $6,150,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 9 | 8 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 6 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 6 | 3 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207C | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 660 | 735 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 152 | 73.6 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 33.5 | 42.5 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 12.6 | 11.5 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 34 | 35.5 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 | — | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | — | 18 |