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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 407GXi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 | $ 4.43 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | H135 | 407GXi |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 342 | 337 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 5 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 3124 | 2300 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 5 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 861 | $ 589 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | Garmin G1000H NXI |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 136 | 133 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 | $3,225,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 5 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | M250-C47E/4 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 660 | 862 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 127.8 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 46 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 33.5 | 41.4 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 12.6 | 10.2 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 34 | 35 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 | 125 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 25.4 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 3.9 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 16 |