Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Bell 429 Globalranger

The Airbus H130 and H135 sit in the light single- and light twin-engine categories respectively. The H130 is typically chosen for cost-efficient, high-visibility passenger missions and usually carries about six to seven passengers (plus pilot), with a practical range in the roughly 300–350 nautical mile class depending on configuration. The H135, as a light twin optimized for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate shuttle, commonly seats about five to six passengers (plus pilot[s]) and generally offers a similar or slightly greater practical range, often around 300+ nautical miles. The Bell 429 GlobalRanger is a light twin that tends to emphasize cabin volume and speed in its class, commonly carrying about six to seven passengers (plus pilot[s]) and offering a practical range often in the mid-300 nautical mile range. The Airbus H160 is a larger, more modern medium twin, positioned above the others for premium passenger transport and offshore/utility roles. It typically carries more passengers (often eight to twelve depending on layout) and usually provides the longest range of this group, commonly around 450+ nautical miles in typical configurations.