Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Leonardo Aw119kx vs Leonardo Sh09
The Airbus Helicopters H125 (formerly AS350) and Leonardo AW119Kx are both single‑engine light helicopters, typically used for utility, EMS, law enforcement, and passenger transport, while the Leonardo SH09 is a newer light single (modernized derivative lineage) positioned similarly but with a stronger emphasis on contemporary systems and cabin flexibility. In range, the H125 and AW119Kx are broadly comparable in real‑world mission planning, generally offering a few hundred nautical miles depending on fuel configuration, payload, and reserve policy; the SH09 is expected to be competitive in the same class, with range figures depending on the final certified configuration and options. For passenger capacity, all three sit in the light single category and are commonly configured to carry around five to six passengers plus a pilot, with seating and usable payload varying by interior fit, mission equipment, and environmental conditions (especially hot‑and‑high). Overall, the H125 is often favored for high‑altitude and hot‑weather performance, the AW119Kx for cabin and performance balance with single‑engine simplicity, and the SH09 for a more modern design approach where available.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119Kx | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 6.76 | $4.48 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | AW119Kx | SH09 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 515 | 430 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.84 | $0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 885 | $627 |
| 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 | $3,500,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | — | 7 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | PT6B-37A | HTS 900 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4500 | 5500 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 917 | 1020 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 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 | — |