Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Bell 525 Relentless
The Airbus H135 is the lightest category here, a light twin typically used for EMS, training, and short-haul utility work; it generally carries about 5–7 passengers (plus pilots, depending on layout) and offers the shortest range of the group, roughly in the 300–350 nm class. The Airbus H145 is also a light twin but larger and more capable, commonly seating around 7–9 passengers with a modest range increase, often around 330–380 nm. Stepping up, the Airbus H160 sits in the medium twin segment with a more modern airframe and higher cruise efficiency; it typically accommodates about 10–12 passengers and reaches roughly 450–500 nm. The Airbus H175 is a super-medium twin aimed at offshore and corporate missions, usually configured for about 12–16 passengers and offering around 500–600 nm. The Bell 525 Relentless is likewise a super-medium class helicopter optimized for offshore transport; typical seating is around 16 passengers with a range broadly comparable to the H175, roughly in the 500–600 nm bracket, depending on configuration and reserves.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | AIRBUS H160 | AIRBUS H175 | Bell 525 Relentless |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | — | $ 13.53 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 18 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H145 | H160 | H175 | 525 Relentless |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 352 | 460 | 573 | 580 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | — | $ 0.75 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 12 | 18 | 16 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4200 | 3992 | 6797 | 6675 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 16 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | — | $ 2,016 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS | Garmin G5000H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 155 | 149 | 160 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $14,000,000 | $17,900,000 | $15,000,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 18 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 12 | 18 | 16 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 16 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | HE Arrano | PT6A-67E | CT7-2F1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 3500 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 894 | — | 1775 | 1800 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | — | — | 641 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 44.8 | 39.4 | 59.2 | 61.58 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13 | 13.1 | 17.5 | 18.18 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36.1 | 45.2 | 48.5 | 54.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 166 | — | 423.8 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | — | 81.9 | 128 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | — | — | 25.77 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | — | — | 7.58 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | — | — | 4.5 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | — | — | 15.5 |