Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Leonardo Sh09
The Airbus Helicopters H125 (AS350) is a single‑engine, light utility helicopter optimized for cost‑effective short to medium missions such as aerial work, training, and passenger transport. Its typical range is roughly in the 600 km class (depending on fuel fit and reserves), and it generally carries a pilot plus about 5 to 6 passengers in a high‑density arrangement. The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a twin‑engine light helicopter positioned more toward passenger transport, EMS, and IFR-capable operations where redundancy and lower cabin noise matter. Its typical range is also around the 600 km class, and it commonly accommodates a pilot (or two) plus about 5 to 6 passengers, with flexible interiors depending on mission (notably air ambulance). The Leonardo SH09 (also marketed as AW09) is a modern single‑engine light helicopter aimed at the same broad “light single” market as the H125, but with newer design features and a spacious cabin for its class. Its typical range is roughly in the 700 km class, and it is generally configured for a pilot plus about 6 to 7 passengers.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H135 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 6.33 | $4.48 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 9 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H135 | SH09 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 342 | 430 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.79 | $0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 3124 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 861 | $627 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 136 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $6,150,000 | $3,500,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | — | 7 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 9 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 6 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | HTS 900 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 5500 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 660 | 1020 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 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 | — |