Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Leonardo Aw139 vs Leonardo Aw169
The Airbus H125 is a light single‑engine utility helicopter, best suited to shorter missions and high‑and‑hot work; it typically carries about 5–6 passengers (plus pilot) and offers a moderate range for local operations. The Airbus H145 is a light twin with more redundancy and cabin volume, commonly configured for roughly 6–9 passengers, and generally provides a longer practical range than the H125 for regional flying. The Airbus H160 sits in the medium twin class, aiming at higher speed, comfort, and efficiency; it typically carries around 10–12 passengers with a range comparable to, or better than, the H145 depending on fit. Leonardo’s AW169 is a light‑intermediate twin bridging the gap to larger mediums; it usually seats about 6–10 passengers and offers solid regional range. The Leonardo AW139 is a medium twin and the largest here, often configured for about 12–15 passengers and typically delivering the longest range and mission endurance in this group, making it common for offshore transport, SAR, and high‑utilization roles.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H145 | AIRBUS H160 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 9.31 | — | $ 11.69 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 10 | 14 | 17 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H145 | H160 | AW139 | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 352 | 460 | 573 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.93 | — | $ 0.69 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 4200 | 3992 | 4701 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 8 | 12 | 15 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 1,210 | — | $ 1,929 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 155 | 165 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $10,200,000 | $14,000,000 | $15,900,000 | $9,450,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 10 | 14 | 17 | 12 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 8 | 12 | 15 | 10 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2E | HE Arrano | PT6C-67C | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 5000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 894 | — | 1679 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | — | 414 | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 44.8 | 39.4 | 54.7 | 48.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 13 | 13.1 | 16.4 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36.1 | 45.2 | 54.7 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 166 | — | 282 | 222.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | — | 120 | 49.5 |