Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Robinson Helicopters R66
In category, the Airbus H130 is a light single‑engine helicopter (often chosen for tour and utility roles), while the Airbus H135 and H145 are light twin‑engine helicopters, with the H145 generally regarded as the larger, higher‑payload member of the pair. The Robinson R66 is also a light single‑engine helicopter, typically positioned as a simpler, lower‑acquisition‑cost option than the Airbus twins. On range, the H145 and H135 commonly offer the longest practical legs in typical configurations, with the H130 close behind depending on fuel fit and mission profile; the R66 is generally competitive for local-to-regional missions but is usually shorter‑legged than the larger Airbus twins. Exact range varies significantly with optional tanks, reserves, speed, and load. On passenger capacity, the H130 typically seats one pilot plus up to six passengers in many layouts. The H135 commonly seats one or two pilots plus five to six passengers depending on interior. The H145 often supports one or two pilots plus up to seven to eight passengers in high‑density arrangements. The R66 typically seats one pilot plus four passengers.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 10 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | H135 | H145 | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 342 | 352 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 9 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 3124 | 4200 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 8 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | EFIS | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 136 | 130 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 10 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 9 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 8 | 3 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | Green Interior | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 660 | 894 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | — | 73.6 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 33.5 | 44.8 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 12.6 | 13 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 34 | 36.1 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 | 166 | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 46.8 | 18 |