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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.

SpecAIRBUS H130AIRBUS H135AIRBUS H160Bell 429WLG GlobalRangerAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New
Summary
Cockpit32222
DOC / nm$ 5.00$ 6.33$ 6.05$ 7.31
Min Crew11211
Total Seats791488
Flight RulesVFRIFRIFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersBellLeonardo
Aircraft NameH130H135H160429WLG GlobalRangerAW109 Grand New
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)333342460381464
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.71$ 0.79$ 0.76$ 0.91
Max Cabin Seats571266
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)2299312439922528
Standard Cabin Seats471266
Direct Operating Cost$ 640$ 861$ 931$ 1,140
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HHelionixEFISBell BasiX-ProEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)128136155154156
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,450,000$6,150,000$14,000,000$7,700,000$ 7,800,000
Cabin
Cockpit32222
Min Crew11211
Total Seats791488
Max Cabin Seats571266
Standard Cabin Seats471266
ConfigurationGreen InteriorGreen Interior
Engine
FADECYesYesYesYesYes
ModelArriel 2DArrius 2B2+HE ArranoPW207D1PW207C
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)50004000400040004000
Horsepower9526601100735
No. of Engines12222
Fuel Capacity (gal)143216.9152
Fuel Burn (gph)76
Dimensions
Length (ft)41.533.539.44342.5
Overall Height (ft)11.112.613.112.3911.5
Rotor Diameter (ft)35.13445.23635.5
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173130
Width (ft)26.37
Cabin Width (ft)5
Cabin Height (ft)4
Cabin Length (ft)6.58
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)74