Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H160
The Airbus Helicopters H130 and H160 sit in different categories and are aimed at different mission profiles. The H130 is a light single‑engine helicopter commonly used for sightseeing, private transport, and utility work where simplicity and lower operating costs matter. The H160 is a medium twin‑engine helicopter positioned as a higher‑end, longer‑range platform for corporate/VIP transport, offshore support, and public service missions, with greater redundancy and all‑weather capability expectations. In range terms, the H130 is generally suited to shorter to mid‑length legs, while the H160 is designed to fly significantly farther, making it better for longer point‑to‑point trips and offshore segments without frequent refueling. Passenger capacity also differs. The H130 typically carries a pilot plus up to about six or seven passengers depending on configuration and weight limits, emphasizing a roomy cabin for its class. The H160 supports more people overall, typically a crew of one or two with seating for a larger passenger group (often around eight to a dozen depending on layout), reflecting its larger airframe and mission flexibility.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H160 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 14 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | H160 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 460 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 12 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 3992 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 12 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $14,000,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 14 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 12 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 12 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | HE Arrano |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 952 | — |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 39.4 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 13.1 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 45.2 |