Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 429 Globalranger
The Airbus Helicopters H130 is best categorized as a single‑engine light helicopter optimized for private, tourism, and utility roles where cabin comfort and operating economy matter. It typically offers the most straightforward configuration for around six to seven occupants depending on seating layout, with range generally in the mid‑500 km class (varying with payload, reserves, and options). The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a twin‑engine light helicopter commonly selected for EMS, law enforcement, offshore support, and corporate missions where redundancy and high utilization are priorities. Passenger capacity is usually five to seven occupants depending on the interior (or specialized medical fit), and typical range is often similar to or slightly higher than the H130, commonly around the mid‑500 to 600+ km class depending on configuration. The Bell 429 GlobalRanger is a twin‑engine light helicopter positioned toward the upper end of this segment, emphasizing a roomy cabin and strong performance for corporate, public safety, and utility missions. It typically accommodates six to seven occupants in standard passenger layouts, with range commonly around the mid‑600 km class, again dependent on load and fuel configuration.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 | $ 6.29 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | H135 | 429 GlobalRanger |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 342 | 365 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.79 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 3124 | 2535 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 861 | $ 931 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 136 | 148 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 | $7,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 6 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207D1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 660 | 1100 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 216.9 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 76 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 33.5 | 43 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 12.6 | 13.25 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 34 | 36 |
| 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 |