Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New
By category, the Airbus H130, Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger, and Leonardo AW109 GrandNew are typically positioned as light single-engine (H130) and light twin-engine (429 and AW109) utility/VIP helicopters, while the Airbus H135 is a light twin widely used for EMS, police, and corporate missions. The Airbus H160 moves up a class as a medium twin, oriented to higher-end offshore, corporate, and public-service roles with more cabin volume and generally higher performance. On range, the H160 is generally the longest-legged of this group in typical configurations, reflecting its larger fuel capacity and newer design. The H135, Bell 429, and AW109 GrandNew cluster in the middle with broadly comparable practical ranges depending on avionics fit, reserves, and payload. The H130’s range is competitive for a single-engine light helicopter and often suits tourism and short-to-medium utility missions, but it is usually not the outright leader versus the newer medium class. For passenger capacity, the H130 is known for a roomy cabin in its class and often seats up to about 7 passengers (plus pilot). The H135 and Bell 429 commonly accommodate around 6–7 passengers in corporate layouts. The AW109 GrandNew typically seats about 6–7. The H160 generally carries about 8–12 depending on configuration.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H160 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 | — | $ 6.05 | $ 7.31 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 14 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | H135 | H160 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW109 Grand New |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 342 | 460 | 381 | 464 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 | — | $ 0.76 | $ 0.91 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 12 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 3124 | 3992 | 2528 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 12 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 861 | — | $ 931 | $ 1,140 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 136 | 155 | 154 | 156 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 | $14,000,000 | $7,700,000 | $ 7,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 14 | 8 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 12 | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 12 | 6 | 6 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | HE Arrano | PW207D1 | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 660 | — | 1100 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | — | 216.9 | 152 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | — | 76 | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 33.5 | 39.4 | 43 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 12.6 | 13.1 | 12.39 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 34 | 45.2 | 36 | 35.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 | — | 130 | — |
| Width (ft) | — | — | — | 26.37 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | — | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | — | 6.58 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | — | 74 | — |