Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Bell 407gxi vs Airbus Helicopters H135
The Airbus H130, Bell 407GXi, and Airbus H135 sit in different parts of the light-helicopter spectrum. The H130 is a single‑engine light utility/tour helicopter, typically favored for passenger-carrying missions where cabin volume and low noise matter. Its practical range is generally in the mid‑300 nautical mile class depending on fit and reserves, and it commonly carries a pilot plus about six passengers (high-density layouts can vary by operator). The Bell 407GXi is also a single‑engine light helicopter, often positioned as a faster, higher-performance option for mixed utility, corporate, and public-safety work. Range is broadly comparable to the H130 (also typically around the mid‑300 nautical mile class), but passenger capacity is usually slightly lower, commonly a pilot plus five to six passengers depending on interior and mission equipment. The Airbus H135 is a twin‑engine light helicopter, aimed at missions needing redundancy such as EMS, IFR-capable corporate transport, and law enforcement. Its range is usually similar or slightly lower than the singles in typical configurations (often around the low‑to‑mid‑300 nautical mile class), and it generally seats a pilot plus about five to six passengers, or fewer when outfitted for medical roles.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 407GXi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 | $ 4.43 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | H135 | 407GXi |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 342 | 337 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 5 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 3124 | 2300 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 5 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 861 | $ 589 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | Garmin G1000H NXI |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 136 | 133 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 | $3,225,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 5 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | M250-C47E/4 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 660 | 862 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 127.8 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 46 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 33.5 | 41.4 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 12.6 | 10.2 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 34 | 35 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 | 125 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 25.4 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 3.9 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 16 |