Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Leonardo Sh09
The Airbus Helicopters H125 is a proven light single‑engine utility helicopter commonly used for aerial work, EMS support, and passenger transport in demanding “hot and high” environments. The Leonardo SH09 is a newer light single positioned primarily for civil and parapublic missions, aiming for modern systems and efficient operations in the same general class. In range, the H125 typically offers a practical mission radius that suits short‑ to medium‑haul tasks, while the SH09 is designed to be competitive in this segment and is generally marketed with comparable or potentially better endurance depending on final configuration, payload, and reserves. Real‑world range for both depends heavily on fuel options, cabin fit, and operating conditions. For passenger capacity, both sit in the light single category with cabins commonly arranged for a pilot plus several passengers. The H125 is widely configured for up to about six passengers plus pilot, whereas the SH09 is generally positioned similarly, often around six to seven seats including the pilot, depending on interior layout and certification basis.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $4.48 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | SH09 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | In-Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 430 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $627 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,500,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | 7 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | HTS 900 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5500 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 1020 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | — |