Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H155 vs Leonardo Aw139
The Airbus Helicopters H125 is a light single‑engine utility helicopter, typically chosen for cost‑efficient operations, high‑altitude performance, and shorter to moderate legs. In category it sits below the other two in size and mission payload. Its practical range is generally in the several‑hundred‑nautical‑mile class depending on configuration, and passenger capacity is usually around five to six passengers plus one pilot (or similar utility loadouts). The Airbus Helicopters H155 is a medium twin‑engine helicopter positioned for corporate transport and EMS, offering more cabin volume, higher cruise capability, and greater all‑weather redundancy than the H125. It typically supports roughly eight to twelve passengers depending on interior layout, with range commonly in the mid‑hundreds of nautical miles. The Leonardo AW139 is also a medium twin, often considered at the higher end of the medium class for offshore and SAR/HEMS roles. It generally matches or exceeds the H155 in payload and performance, with typical seating around ten to fifteen passengers depending on mission fit, and a comparable mid‑hundreds‑nautical‑mile range that varies by tanks, reserves, and equipment.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H155 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 11.06 | $ 11.69 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 14 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H155 | AW139 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 423 | 573 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.69 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 12 | 15 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 4012 | 4701 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 12 | 15 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 1,593 | $ 1,929 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 144 | 165 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $14,800,000 | $15,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 14 | 17 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 12 | 15 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 12 | 15 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2C2 | PT6C-67C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 943 | 1679 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 332 | 414 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 46.9 | 54.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 14.3 | 16.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 41.1 | 54.7 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 235.2 | 282 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 88.3 | 120 |