Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429 Globalranger
The Airbus Helicopters H130 is a single‑engine light helicopter typically positioned for private, tourism, and utility missions where low operating complexity and a roomy cabin are valued. It generally carries a pilot plus up to six passengers (depending on configuration and weight), and its practical range is commonly in the mid‑300 nautical mile class, varying with payload, reserves, and conditions. The Airbus Helicopters H145 is a twin‑engine light/medium helicopter aimed at higher‑demand roles such as EMS, law enforcement, offshore support, and executive transport. It usually accommodates one or two pilots with around eight to nine passengers in a high‑density layout, and it offers a longer typical range than the H130, often around the mid‑to‑high‑300 nautical mile class, again payload‑dependent. The Bell 429 GlobalRanger is a twin‑engine light helicopter that competes closely with the H145 for corporate and public‑service missions. It commonly seats one or two pilots plus six to seven passengers, and its typical range is broadly similar to the H145, generally in the high‑300 nautical mile class, influenced by configuration and mission profile.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 9.31 | $ 6.29 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 10 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | H145 | 429 GlobalRanger |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 352 | 365 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.79 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 9 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 4200 | 2535 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 1,210 | $ 931 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 130 | 148 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $10,200,000 | $7,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 10 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 8 | 6 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 894 | 1100 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 216.9 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 76 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 44.8 | 43 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 13 | 13.25 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 36.1 | 36 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 166 | 130 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | 74 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 26.37 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 6.58 |