AIR.ONE

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).

SpecAIRBUS H130AIRBUS H135ROBINSON R44 Raven II
Summary
Cockpit32
DOC / nm$ 5.00$ 6.33$ 2.36
Min Crew11
Total Seats794
Flight RulesVFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft NameH130H135R44 Raven II
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)333342300
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.71$ 0.79$ 0.59
Max Cabin Seats57
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)22993124995
Standard Cabin Seats47
Direct Operating Cost$ 640$ 861$ 257
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HHelionixGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)128136109
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,450,000$6,150,000$ 490,000
Cabin
Cockpit32
Min Crew11
Total Seats794
Max Cabin Seats57
Standard Cabin Seats47
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Engine
FADECYesYesNo
ModelArriel 2DArrius 2B2+IO-540
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelAvGas
TBO (hrs)500040002200
Horsepower952660245
No. of Engines121
Fuel Capacity (gal)14329.5
TBO (yrs)12
Fuel DeliveryFuel Injected
Dimensions
Length (ft)41.533.538.3
Overall Height (ft)11.112.610.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)35.13433
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)2.5