Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Leonardo Aw139 vs Leonardo Aw609 Tiltrotor
The Airbus Helicopters H125 is a light single‑engine helicopter best suited to short‑to‑medium missions such as utility work, aerial patrol, and access to confined landing sites. Its typical range is in the few‑hundred‑nautical‑mile class (roughly 300–350 nm depending on configuration), and it commonly carries a pilot plus about five passengers, with seating varying by interior and weight limits. The Leonardo AW139 is a medium twin‑engine helicopter designed for higher payload, speed, and all‑weather capability, often used for offshore transport, EMS, and corporate shuttle. Its typical range is greater than the H125, commonly around 500–600 nm, and it usually seats around 12–15 passengers in standard arrangements (more in high‑density layouts). The Leonardo AW609 is a twin‑engine tiltrotor, combining vertical takeoff and landing with airplane‑like cruise, placing it in a different category from conventional helicopters. It is aimed at longer point‑to‑point missions at higher cruise speeds, with an expected range around 750–900 nm, and a typical passenger capacity of about six to nine, depending on mission fit.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW609 Tiltrotor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 11.69 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 17 | — |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | AW139 | AW609 Tiltrotor |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 573 | — |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.69 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 15 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 4701 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 15 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 1,929 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | EFIS | — |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 165 | — |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $15,900,000 | $20,000,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 17 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 15 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 15 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | — |
| Model | Arriel 2D | PT6C-67C | — |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | — |
| Horsepower | 847 | 1679 | — |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 414 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 54.7 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 16.4 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 54.7 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 282 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 120 | — |