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Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 407gxi

The Airbus Helicopters H130 is generally positioned as a single‑engine, light helicopter optimized for high passenger comfort and sightseeing or utility missions. It typically offers the highest passenger capacity of the three, commonly configured for a pilot plus up to seven passengers, and provides a moderate range suited to regional missions. The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a light twin‑engine helicopter aimed at operators prioritizing redundancy, IFR capability options, and demanding missions such as EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport. Passenger capacity is usually lower than the H130 in most layouts, often around a pilot plus five to six passengers depending on interior and mission equipment, while range is broadly comparable, varying by fuel, configuration, and reserves. The Bell 407GXi is a single‑engine light helicopter known for strong hot‑and‑high performance and versatility across utility and corporate roles. It typically carries a pilot plus up to six passengers, placing it between the H135 and H130 for capacity, and its range is commonly competitive with or slightly better than the others depending on configuration and mission profile.

SpecAIRBUS H130AIRBUS H135Bell 407GXi
Summary
Cockpit322
DOC / nm$ 5.00$ 6.33$ 4.43
Min Crew111
Total Seats796
Flight RulesVFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersBell
Aircraft NameH130H135407GXi
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)333342337
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.71$ 0.79$ 0.74
Max Cabin Seats575
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)229931242300
Standard Cabin Seats475
Direct Operating Cost$ 640$ 861$ 589
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HHelionixGarmin G1000H NXI
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)128136133
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,450,000$6,150,000$3,225,000
Cabin
Cockpit322
Min Crew111
Total Seats796
Max Cabin Seats575
Standard Cabin Seats475
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelArriel 2DArrius 2B2+M250-C47E/4
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)500040003500
Horsepower952660862
No. of Engines121
Fuel Capacity (gal)143127.8
Fuel Burn (gph)46
Dimensions
Length (ft)41.533.541.4
Overall Height (ft)11.112.610.2
Rotor Diameter (ft)35.13435
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173125
Width (ft)25.4
Cabin Width (ft)5
Cabin Height (ft)3.9
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)16