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Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429 Globalranger

The Airbus Helicopters H125, Airbus Helicopters H145, and Bell 429 GlobalRanger sit in different light-helicopter categories with overlapping missions but distinct strengths. The H125 is a single‑engine light utility helicopter, often chosen for cost efficiency, high‑hot performance, and roles like tourism, external load, and basic air ambulance support. Its typical passenger capacity is about five to six passengers plus a pilot (depending on configuration), and its range is generally in the mid‑300 nautical mile class, varying with fuel options and payload. The H145 is a twin‑engine light‑medium helicopter aimed at higher utilization and more demanding IFR/EMS, law enforcement, and corporate missions. It commonly carries around seven to nine passengers (plus one to two pilots) and offers a similar or somewhat greater range than the H125, often around the mid‑300 to low‑400 nautical mile class depending on configuration. The Bell 429 is a twin‑engine light helicopter positioned close to the H145 in mission set, typically seating about six to seven passengers (plus one to two pilots) with range commonly in the mid‑300 nautical mile class, again dependent on fuel and payload.

SpecAIRBUS H125AIRBUS H145Bell 429 GlobalRanger
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 9.31$ 6.29
Min Crew111
Total Seats6108
Flight RulesVFRIFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersBell
Aircraft NameH125H145429 GlobalRanger
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341352365
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.93$ 0.79
Max Cabin Seats596
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)218942002535
Standard Cabin Seats486
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 1,210$ 931
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HEFISBell BasiX-Pro
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136130148
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000$10,200,000$7,500,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats6108
Max Cabin Seats596
Standard Cabin Seats486
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelArriel 2DArriel 2EPW207D1
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)500040004000
Horsepower8478941100
No. of Engines122
Fuel Capacity (gal)143216.9
Fuel Burn (gph)76
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.544.843
Overall Height (ft)101313.25
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.136.136
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)166130
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)46.874
Width (ft)26.37
Cabin Width (ft)5
Cabin Height (ft)4
Cabin Length (ft)6.58