Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Leonardo Aw609 Tiltrotor
The Airbus Helicopters H125 is a light single‑engine helicopter best suited to short‑ to medium‑range utility missions where simplicity, low operating cost, and good hot‑and‑high performance matter more than speed and cabin volume. Typical passenger capacity is about five to six people (plus pilot), and real‑world range is generally in the few‑hundred‑nautical‑mile class depending on fuel fit and payload. The Leonardo AW169 is a light‑intermediate twin‑engine helicopter positioned for passenger transport, EMS, and corporate shuttle work. It offers a larger cabin and higher useful load than the H125, commonly seating around seven to ten passengers in a transport layout, with range also in the several‑hundred‑nautical‑mile band, often competitive with or better than many light singles while adding twin‑engine redundancy. The Leonardo AW609 is a tiltrotor, bridging helicopter and turboprop capabilities. It targets longer‑range, higher‑speed point‑to‑point travel, typically carrying about six to nine passengers, with range generally extending beyond conventional light helicopters and cruise speeds substantially higher, while retaining vertical takeoff and landing.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW609 Tiltrotor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 11.84 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 12 | — |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | AW169 | AW609 Tiltrotor |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 440 | — |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.99 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 10 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 10 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 1,658 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | EFIS | — |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 140 | — |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $9,450,000 | $20,000,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 12 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 10 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 10 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | — |
| Model | Arriel 2D | PW210A | — |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | — |
| Horsepower | 847 | 1000 | — |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 48.1 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 14.8 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 222.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 49.5 | — |