Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii
The Airbus Helicopters H130 is a single‑engine light helicopter typically positioned for scenic tours and private/VIP utility work. It generally offers the longest reach of the three, with a typical range around 340–360 nautical miles, and it carries one pilot plus up to six passengers (seven seats total), making it the highest‑capacity option here. The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a twin‑engine light helicopter commonly used for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport where redundancy and all‑weather capability are priorities. Its typical range is broadly similar but often a bit lower than the H130 depending on configuration, roughly around 320–350 nautical miles. Passenger capacity varies by interior, but it is commonly configured for one or two pilots plus five to six passengers (often six to seven seats total), with the cabin optimized for mission equipment rather than maximum seating. The Robinson R44 Raven II is a smaller single‑engine piston helicopter in the light training/private category. It typically has the shortest range, about 300–350 nautical miles, and seats one pilot plus three passengers (four seats total).
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 | ROBINSON R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 | $ 2.36 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | H135 | R44 Raven II |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 342 | 300 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.59 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 3124 | 995 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 861 | $ 257 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 136 | 109 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 | $ 490,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | — |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | IO-540 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 2200 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 660 | 245 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 29.5 |
| TBO (yrs) | — | — | 12 |
| Fuel Delivery | — | — | Fuel Injected |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 33.5 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 12.6 | 10.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 34 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 2.5 |