Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H160
The Airbus Helicopters H130 is a single‑engine light helicopter aimed at cost‑effective passenger and utility work; it typically carries a pilot plus up to six passengers and offers a moderate range suited to short regional missions. The H135 is a twin‑engine light helicopter oriented toward EMS, law enforcement, and corporate shuttle; it generally carries a pilot plus about five to six passengers (or medical interior equivalents) and provides a similar-to-slightly-better practical range than the H130, with added redundancy. The H145 steps up into the light‑twin/medium segment with a larger cabin and higher useful load; it commonly carries a pilot plus seven to eight passengers and delivers longer mission endurance than H130/H135 for multi‑stop or longer regional legs. The H160 is a newer-generation medium twin designed for higher performance and comfort in offshore, corporate, and public services; it typically carries a pilot plus around 10–12 passengers and offers the longest range of the four, making it best suited to extended routes and offshore profiles.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | AIRBUS H160 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 10 | 14 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | H135 | H145 | H160 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 342 | 352 | 460 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 3124 | 4200 | 3992 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 8 | 12 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 136 | 130 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $14,000,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 10 | 14 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 8 | 12 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | Green Interior | Green Interior |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | HE Arrano |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 660 | 894 | — |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | — | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 33.5 | 44.8 | 39.4 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 12.6 | 13 | 13.1 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 34 | 36.1 | 45.2 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 | 166 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 46.8 | — |