Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145
The Airbus Helicopters H130 is a single‑engine light helicopter typically used for sightseeing, VIP transport, and utility missions. It generally offers the greatest passenger capacity of the three in standard layouts, commonly seating a pilot plus up to seven passengers, and its practical range is in the mid‑hundreds of nautical miles depending on configuration, payload, and reserves. The H135 is a twin‑engine light helicopter optimized for multi‑role work such as EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport. It usually carries fewer passengers than the H130 in typical passenger/VIP arrangements (often a pilot plus five to six passengers), but it benefits from twin‑engine redundancy and strong mission flexibility. Its range is broadly similar to the H130, again varying with equipment and fuel options. The H145 is a larger twin‑engine light/medium helicopter aimed at higher‑payload missions like EMS, offshore support, and utility. It commonly accommodates a pilot plus eight to nine passengers in high‑density seating (or fewer with medical interiors) and often delivers the best overall range and useful load among the three.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | H135 | H145 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 342 | 352 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 3124 | 4200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 861 | $ 1,210 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 136 | 130 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 9 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 8 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | Green Interior |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 660 | 894 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 33.5 | 44.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 12.6 | 13 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 34 | 36.1 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 | 166 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 46.8 |