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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.

SpecAIRBUS H125AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119KxAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW609 Tiltrotor
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 6.76
Min Crew11
Total Seats68
Flight RulesVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoLeonardo
Aircraft NameH125AW119KxAW609 Tiltrotor
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341515
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.84
Max Cabin Seats56
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)2189
Standard Cabin Seats46
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 885
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HGarmin G1000H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000 $3,850,000 $20,000,000
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats68
Max Cabin Seats56
Standard Cabin Seats46
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelArriel 2DPT6B-37A
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)50004500
Horsepower847917
No. of Engines11
Fuel Capacity (gal)143160
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.542.5
Overall Height (ft)1011.9
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.135.5