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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 | $4.48 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | H135 | SH09 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 342 | 430 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 | $0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 3124 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 861 | $627 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 136 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 | $3,500,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | — | 7 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 6 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | HTS 900 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 5500 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 660 | 1020 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 33.5 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 12.6 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 34 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 | — |