Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Leonardo Aw119kx vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Leonardo Aw609 Tiltrotor
The Airbus Helicopters H125 and Leonardo AW119Kx are single‑engine light helicopters best suited to short, cost‑efficient missions; both typically carry a pilot plus about five to six passengers, with practical ranges generally in the roughly 300–400 nautical mile class depending on configuration and reserves. The Leonardo AW169 is a larger, twin‑engine light‑intermediate helicopter aimed at higher payload, IFR capability, and passenger comfort; it commonly seats around eight to ten passengers, and its typical range is broadly similar to or modestly better than the light singles (often around the mid‑300 nautical mile class), again varying with fuel, cabin fit, and mission profile. The Leonardo AW609 is a tiltrotor rather than a conventional helicopter: it trades hover capability for much higher cruise speed and longer legs, typically carrying about six to nine passengers with ranges commonly in the ~500–700 nautical mile class. In short, H125/AW119Kx prioritize simplicity and operating cost, AW169 adds twin‑engine performance and cabin capacity, and AW609 emphasizes point‑to‑point speed and reach while retaining vertical takeoff and landing.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119Kx | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW609 Tiltrotor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 6.76 | $ 11.84 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 12 | — |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | AW119Kx | AW169 | AW609 Tiltrotor |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 515 | 440 | — |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.84 | $ 0.99 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 10 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | — | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 10 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 885 | $ 1,658 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H | EFIS | — |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 131 | 140 | — |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,850,000 | $9,450,000 | $20,000,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 12 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 10 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 10 | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | — |
| Model | Arriel 2D | PT6B-37A | PW210A | — |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4500 | 4000 | — |
| Horsepower | 847 | 917 | 1000 | — |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 2 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 160 | — | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 42.5 | 48.1 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.9 | 14.8 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35.5 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 222.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 49.5 | — |