Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Leonardo Aw119kx vs Leonardo Aw609 Tiltrotor
Airbus Helicopters’ H125 and Leonardo’s AW119Kx are both single‑engine light utility helicopters, while the Leonardo AW609 is a twin‑engine civil tiltrotor that bridges helicopter and fixed‑wing performance. In category terms, the H125 is widely used for utility, EMS support, and high‑altitude work; the AW119Kx is positioned as a light single‑engine helicopter with strong emphasis on passenger transport and training, typically offering a roomier cabin feel. The AW609 sits in a different class, designed for higher cruise speed and longer point‑to‑point missions where runway‑independent operation is still needed. For range, the H125 and AW119Kx are broadly comparable, generally suited to short‑to‑medium missions on the order of a few hundred nautical miles depending on payload and reserves. The AW609 typically offers substantially greater range, commonly cited around 700+ nautical miles, reflecting its airplane‑like cruise efficiency. Passenger capacity for both the H125 and AW119Kx is typically up to about six passengers plus a pilot in many configurations, whereas the AW609 is generally configured for around six to nine passengers, depending on interior and mission setup.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119Kx | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW609 Tiltrotor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 6.76 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | — |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | AW119Kx | AW609 Tiltrotor |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 515 | — |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.84 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 885 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H | — |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 131 | — |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,850,000 | $20,000,000 |
| 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 | PT6B-37A | — |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4500 | — |
| Horsepower | 847 | 917 | — |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 160 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 42.5 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.9 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35.5 | — |