Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 429 Globalranger
The Airbus Helicopters H125 and the Bell 429 GlobalRanger sit in different light-helicopter categories with different strengths. The H125 is a single‑engine light utility helicopter, commonly used for aerial work, law enforcement support, EMS support roles, and operations in hot-and-high environments where strong single‑engine performance is valued. The Bell 429 is a twin‑engine light intermediate helicopter, typically positioned for missions that prioritize redundancy, IFR-capable operations in many configurations, and a more spacious, refined cabin experience for corporate transport and EMS. On range, both offer broadly comparable light-helicopter mission reach, but actual figures vary significantly with payload, fuel configuration, speed profiles, and reserves. In typical real-world planning, the Bell 429 often delivers a longer practical range in passenger-transport configurations, while the H125’s range can be competitive depending on tank options and loading. For passenger capacity, the H125 is commonly configured for a pilot plus up to about five passengers, whereas the Bell 429 typically carries a pilot plus about six to seven passengers, reflecting its larger cabin and higher gross weight class.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 6.29 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | 429 GlobalRanger |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 365 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.79 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2535 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 931 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 148 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $7,500,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | PW207D1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 1100 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 216.9 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 43 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 13.25 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36 |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 130 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 74 |