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Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Leonardo Sh09

The Airbus Helicopters H130 is a single‑engine light helicopter typically positioned for sightseeing, private transport, and utility work. In category it sits below the other two in complexity and operating cost, while offering a roomy cabin for its class; passenger capacity is commonly up to about six passengers plus a pilot, depending on interior and weight limits. Its practical range is in the “few hundred nautical miles” bracket, generally comparable to or slightly better than many light twins when configured for standard missions. The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a light, twin‑engine helicopter aimed at higher dispatch reliability and demanding roles such as HEMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport. It is in a higher category than the H130 due to twin engines and systems, and it usually carries about five to six passengers plus one or two pilots, with configurations often optimized for mission equipment rather than maximum seats. Range is similarly in the several‑hundred‑nautical‑mile class, varying notably with fuel tank options and payload. The Leonardo SH09 is a modern single‑engine light helicopter in the same general class as the H130. It typically targets private, training, and utility missions, with seating generally around six to seven total including the pilot, and a comparable several‑hundred‑nautical‑mile range depending on fit and reserves.

SpecAIRBUS H130AIRBUS H135AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09
Summary
Cockpit322
DOC / nm$ 5.00$ 6.33$4.48
Min Crew111
Total Seats798
Flight RulesVFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersLeonardo
Aircraft NameH130H135SH09
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAIn-Development
Max Range (nm)333342430
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.71$ 0.79$0.56
Max Cabin Seats576
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)22993124
Standard Cabin Seats476
Direct Operating Cost$ 640$ 861$627
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HHelionixEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)128136140
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,450,000$6,150,000$3,500,000
Max Passengers7
Cabin
Cockpit322
Min Crew111
Total Seats798
Max Cabin Seats57
Standard Cabin Seats476
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelArriel 2DArrius 2B2+HTS 900
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)500040005500
Horsepower9526601020
No. of Engines121
Fuel Capacity (gal)143
Dimensions
Length (ft)41.533.5
Overall Height (ft)11.112.6
Rotor Diameter (ft)35.134
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173