Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 407gxi vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger
The Airbus Helicopters H125 (AS350) and Bell 407GXi are both single‑engine light utility helicopters, while the Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger is a twin‑engine light/medium helicopter aimed more at IFR-capable, higher-dispatch missions such as EMS and corporate transport. In range, the H125 and 407GXi are broadly similar and typically sit in the roughly 330–370 nautical mile class depending on configuration, reserves, and payload, with the H125 often optimized for useful load and hot‑and‑high performance rather than maximum distance. The Bell 429 generally offers a comparable or slightly higher practical range in many mission fits, commonly in the mid‑300 nautical mile class, with the advantage that its twin‑engine profile can enable more operational flexibility for certain routes and weather/IFR planning. For passenger capacity, the H125 and 407GXi usually carry one pilot plus up to five or six passengers depending on interior and weight limits, whereas the Bell 429 typically accommodates one or two pilots plus up to six or seven passengers, benefiting from a wider cabin and more usable space.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | Bell 407GXi | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 4.43 | $ 6.05 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | 407GXi | 429WLG GlobalRanger |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 337 | 381 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.76 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2300 | 2528 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 589 | $ 931 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H NXI | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 133 | 154 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,225,000 | $7,700,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | M250-C47E/4 | PW207D1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 862 | 1100 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 127.8 | 216.9 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 46 | 76 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.4 | 43 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 10.2 | 12.39 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35 | 36 |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.4 | 26.37 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 3.9 | 4 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 125 | 130 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 16 | 74 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 6.58 |