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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.

SpecAIRBUS H125AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW609 Tiltrotor
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 11.69
Min Crew12
Total Seats617
Flight RulesVFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoLeonardo
Aircraft NameH125AW139AW609 Tiltrotor
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341573
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.69
Max Cabin Seats515
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)21894701
Standard Cabin Seats415
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 1,929
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136165
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000 $15,900,000 $20,000,000
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew12
Total Seats617
Max Cabin Seats515
Standard Cabin Seats415
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelArriel 2DPT6C-67C
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)50005000
Horsepower8471679
No. of Engines12
Fuel Capacity (gal)143414
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.554.7
Overall Height (ft)1016.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.154.7
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)282
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)120