Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Aw119kx vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven I vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii
By category, the Airbus H125 and Leonardo AW119Kx are single‑engine light utility helicopters, valued for simplicity and high‑hot performance. The Robinson R44 Raven I and Raven II are also single‑engine light pistons, typically used for training, private, and light commercial work. The Bell 429 GlobalRanger, Leonardo AW109 Grand New, and Leonardo SH09 are light twin‑engine helicopters aimed at higher redundancy, smoother IFR-capable mission profiles, and more corporate/EMS-style roles. For passenger capacity, the R44s are generally 3 passengers plus a pilot. The H125 and AW119Kx typically carry about 5 passengers plus a pilot. The AW109 Grand New usually seats around 6–7 passengers plus 1–2 crew depending on configuration. The Bell 429 commonly supports about 6–7 passengers plus 1–2 crew. The SH09 is designed in a similar light‑twin class, typically around 6–7 passengers plus crew depending on fit. For range, the R44s are shortest in this set. The H125 and AW119Kx are mid‑range. The light twins (429, AW109, SH09) generally offer longer range and better reserves, varying by fuel options and cabin fit.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119Kx | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 | ROBINSON R44 Raven I | ROBINSON R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 6.29 | $ 7.31 | $ 6.76 | $4.48 | $ 2.30 | $ 2.36 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo | Leonardo | Robinson Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | 429 GlobalRanger | AW109 Grand New | AW119Kx | SH09 | R44 Raven I | R44 Raven II |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 365 | 464 | 515 | 430 | 300 | 300 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.84 | $0.56 | $ 0.57 | $ 0.59 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | — | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2535 | — | — | — | 950 | 995 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | — | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 931 | $ 1,140 | $ 885 | $627 | $ 248 | $ 257 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | Garmin G1000H | EFIS | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 148 | 156 | 131 | 140 | 108 | 109 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $7,500,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $3,850,000 | $3,500,000 | $ 412,000 | $ 490,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | — | — | — | 7 | — | — |
| Cabin | |||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | — | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | — | — |
| Engine | |||||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | PW207D1 | PW207C | PT6B-37A | HTS 900 | O-540 | IO-540 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | AvGas | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4500 | 5500 | 2200 | 2200 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 1100 | 735 | 917 | 1020 | 225 | 245 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 216.9 | 152 | 160 | — | 29.5 | 29.5 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — | — | — | — | — |
| TBO (yrs) | — | — | — | — | — | 12 | 12 |
| Fuel Delivery | — | — | — | — | — | Carbureted | Fuel Injected |
| Dimensions | |||||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 43 | 42.5 | 42.5 | — | 38.3 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 13.25 | 11.5 | 11.9 | — | 10.8 | 10.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36 | 35.5 | 35.5 | — | 33 | 33 |
| 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 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | — | — | — | 2.5 | 2.5 |