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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.

SpecAIRBUS H125AIRBUS H135AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 6.33$4.48
Min Crew111
Total Seats698
Flight RulesVFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersLeonardo
Aircraft NameH125H135SH09
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAIn-Development
Max Range (nm)341342430
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.79$0.56
Max Cabin Seats576
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)21893124
Standard Cabin Seats476
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 861$627
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HHelionixEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136136140
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000$6,150,000$3,500,000
Max Passengers7
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats698
Max Cabin Seats57
Standard Cabin Seats476
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelArriel 2DArrius 2B2+HTS 900
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)500040005500
Horsepower8476601020
No. of Engines121
Fuel Capacity (gal)143
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.533.5
Overall Height (ft)1012.6
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.134
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173