Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Leonardo Aw119kx vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven I vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii
The Airbus Helicopters H125 is a single‑engine light utility helicopter in the higher end of the class, typically carrying a pilot plus up to five or six passengers depending on configuration, and offering generally the longest practical range of this group. The Leonardo AW119Kx is also a single‑engine light helicopter with a comparatively spacious cabin, commonly accommodating a pilot plus up to six passengers, and it usually delivers a solid mid‑to‑upper range figure that can approach the H125 depending on fuel fit and mission profile. The Leonardo SH09 is a newer single‑engine light helicopter concept aimed at the same utility/tour/VIP space, targeting around five passengers plus pilot and a competitive mid‑range capability. The Robinson R44 Raven I and Raven II are lighter piston single helicopters; both are typically limited to a pilot plus three passengers, with shorter range than the turbine singles above. Between the two R44 variants, the Raven II generally offers slightly improved performance and useful load, while range is broadly similar and strongly dependent on payload and reserve requirements.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119Kx | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 | ROBINSON R44 Raven I | ROBINSON R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 6.76 | $4.48 | $ 2.30 | $ 2.36 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo | Robinson Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | AW119Kx | SH09 | R44 Raven I | R44 Raven II |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 515 | 430 | 300 | 300 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.84 | $0.56 | $ 0.57 | $ 0.59 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 6 | — | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | — | — | 950 | 995 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 6 | — | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 885 | $627 | $ 248 | $ 257 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H | EFIS | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 131 | 140 | 108 | 109 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,850,000 | $3,500,000 | $ 412,000 | $ 490,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | — | 7 | — | — |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | — | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 6 | — | — |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | PT6B-37A | HTS 900 | O-540 | IO-540 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | AvGas | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4500 | 5500 | 2200 | 2200 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 917 | 1020 | 225 | 245 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 160 | — | 29.5 | 29.5 |
| TBO (yrs) | — | — | — | 12 | 12 |
| Fuel Delivery | — | — | — | Carbureted | Fuel Injected |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 42.5 | — | 38.3 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.9 | — | 10.8 | 10.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35.5 | — | 33 | 33 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | — | 2.5 | 2.5 |