Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Leonardo Aw119kx
The Airbus Helicopters H130 is a single‑engine light helicopter best suited to short regional hops, sightseeing, and point‑to‑point access where runways aren’t available. Its practical range is roughly 300–400 nautical miles depending on payload and reserves, and it typically carries a pilot plus about six to seven passengers in a high‑visibility cabin layout. The Leonardo AW119Kx is also a single‑engine light helicopter, generally positioned for utility, training, EMS, and executive shuttle work; its range is broadly similar, commonly around 300–400 nautical miles, and it usually accommodates a pilot with about six to seven passengers, with flexibility depending on interior configuration and mission equipment. By contrast, the Dassault Falcon 8X is a long‑range, three‑engine business jet designed for intercontinental travel between major airports. It offers a range on the order of about 6,000+ nautical miles and is typically configured for around 12–16 passengers (with higher maximum seating possible), delivering far greater speed, altitude, and weather capability than either helicopter.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | Dassault Falcon 8X | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119Kx |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 7.66 | $ 6.76 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 17 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | — | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Dassault Falcon | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | 8X | AW119Kx |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 6450 | 515 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.64 | $ 0.84 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 16 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 36900 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 14 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 3,805 | $ 885 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Honeywell Primus EASy II | Garmin G1000H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 516 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $ 62,500,000 | $3,850,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 17 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 16 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 14 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | 2 Enclosed Flushing | — |
| Crew Rest | — | No | — |
| Jump Seat | — | Yes | — |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | — |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD / AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 10.2 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Galley | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 29200 | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 3900 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | PW307D | PT6B-37A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | On-Condition | 4500 |
| Horsepower | 952 | — | 917 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 160 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 17 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 6722 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 80.2 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 26.1 | 11.9 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | — | 35.5 |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 86.3 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.7 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 6.2 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 42.7 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 1695 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 6.3 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 29.2 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 140 | — |