Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx
The Airbus H125 is a single‑engine light utility helicopter, typically configured for about five to six passengers plus a pilot, with a practical mission range on the order of roughly 300 nautical miles depending on payload and reserves. The Airbus H145 is a twin‑engine light helicopter aimed at higher redundancy and EMS/corporate roles; it commonly carries about seven to eight passengers plus crew and generally offers a similar to somewhat greater working range, often around 300–350 nautical miles. The Airbus H160 is a newer, larger twin‑engine medium helicopter positioned for premium offshore and corporate missions; it usually seats around ten to twelve passengers and, with auxiliary fuel options, can stretch closer to roughly 450–500 nautical miles in typical planning. By contrast, the Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a single‑engine turboprop airplane rather than a helicopter, optimized for point‑to‑point travel; it commonly seats six to nine passengers and has far greater range, roughly 1,500–1,800 nautical miles, making it the clear leader for long, fast regional trips while the helicopters excel in vertical access and short‑site operations.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H145 | AIRBUS H160 | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 9.31 | — | $ 2.78 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 10 | 14 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H145 | H160 | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 352 | 460 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.93 | — | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 9 | 12 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 4200 | 3992 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 8 | 12 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 1,210 | — | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | EFIS | EFIS | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 155 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $10,200,000 | $14,000,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 10 | 14 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 9 | 12 | 9 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 8 | 12 | 6 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | 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 | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2E | HE Arrano | PT6E-67XP |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 894 | — | 1200 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | — | — | ISA + 35 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | — | 402 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 44.8 | 39.4 | 47.25 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 13 | 13.1 | 14 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36.1 | 45.2 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 166 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | — | — |
| 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 |