Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx
The Airbus Helicopters H125 is a single‑engine light utility helicopter optimized for short to medium missions with strong hot‑and‑high performance. Typical range is roughly 330–360 nautical miles depending on fuel and payload, and it commonly carries the pilot plus about 5 passengers (up to 6–7 seats in some layouts, with payload tradeoffs). The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a twin‑engine light helicopter aimed at higher redundancy and smoother passenger operations such as EMS, offshore support, and VIP transport. Its range is similar or slightly higher, often around 330–350 nautical miles, and it generally seats the pilot plus about 5–6 passengers depending on interior configuration. The Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a single‑engine turboprop airplane in a different category, built for longer point‑to‑point travel with higher cruise speed and greater range. It typically offers about 1,700–1,800 nautical miles of range and usually seats 6–9 passengers (with flexible cabin layouts). In short, the H125 prioritizes simplicity and utility, the H135 prioritizes twin‑engine capability, and the PC‑12 NGX prioritizes range and passenger-carrying efficiency.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H135 | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 6.33 | $ 2.78 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 9 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H135 | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 342 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 3124 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 861 | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 136 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $6,150,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 9 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 9 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 6 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Lavatory | — | — | Optional |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 5.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | No |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 13100 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | PT6E-67XP |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 660 | 1200 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 35 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | 402 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 33.5 | 47.25 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 12.6 | 14 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 34 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | — | 53.33 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 4.9 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 16.9 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 4.25 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 40 |