Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 407gxi vs Leonardo Sh09
The Airbus Helicopters H125 (AS350) and Bell 407GXi are both widely used single‑engine light helicopters, while the Leonardo SH09 (often referred to as the AW09) is a newer light single aimed at similar utility and passenger roles with a more modern cabin concept. In category terms, all three sit in the light single‑engine segment, but the H125 is typically favored for high‑altitude and hot‑and‑high utility work, the 407GXi is commonly positioned as a fast, smooth-performing light single for corporate and utility missions, and the SH09 targets a modernized light single niche with an emphasis on passenger comfort and mission flexibility. For range, the H125 and 407GXi are generally comparable in typical configurations, with the 407GXi often cited around the mid‑300 nautical mile class and the H125 in a similar broad bracket depending on tanks, payload, and conditions. The SH09 is generally marketed in the same general range class, varying by final specification and options. For passenger capacity, the H125 and 407GXi commonly carry a pilot plus up to six passengers in typical high-density seating, while the SH09 is generally presented as accommodating up to seven to eight occupants depending on layout (pilot(s) plus passengers).
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | Bell 407GXi | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 4.43 | $4.48 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | 407GXi | SH09 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 337 | 430 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.74 | $0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2300 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 589 | $627 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H NXI | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 133 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,225,000 | $3,500,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | — | 7 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | M250-C47E/4 | HTS 900 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 5500 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 862 | 1020 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 127.8 | — |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 46 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.4 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 10.2 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35 | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.4 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 3.9 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 125 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 16 | — |