Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw139
The Airbus H135 and Bell 429 GlobalRanger sit in the light twin category, typically used for EMS, policing, training, and short corporate hops. Both generally offer short-to-medium range and usually carry a pilot plus about five to six passengers depending on layout; the H135 is often optimized for compact operations and EMS cabins, while the Bell 429 emphasizes a roomy light-twin cabin. The Airbus H145 is a larger light/medium twin, bridging into more utility-focused missions. It generally carries a pilot plus about six to eight passengers and offers a step up in range and cabin volume over the H135/429, making it common for EMS, offshore support near shore, and corporate transport. The Leonardo AW139 and Airbus H175 are medium twins aimed at offshore energy, SAR, and higher-end transport. They typically accommodate around 12–16 passengers in transport configurations and offer longer range than the lighter aircraft, with the H175 generally positioned slightly larger/heavier and more range-oriented, and the AW139 known for versatile mission fit and strong fleet support.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | AIRBUS H175 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | $ 13.53 | $ 6.29 | $ 11.69 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 18 | 8 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H145 | H175 | 429 GlobalRanger | AW139 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 352 | 573 | 365 | 573 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.75 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.69 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 18 | 6 | 15 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4200 | 6797 | 2535 | 4701 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 16 | 6 | 15 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | $ 2,016 | $ 931 | $ 1,929 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 149 | 148 | 165 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $17,900,000 | $7,500,000 | $15,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 18 | 8 | 17 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 18 | 6 | 15 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 16 | 6 | 15 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | PT6A-67E | PW207D1 | PT6C-67C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 3500 | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 894 | 1775 | 1100 | 1679 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | — | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | — | 216.9 | 414 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 44.8 | 59.2 | 43 | 54.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13 | 17.5 | 13.25 | 16.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36.1 | 48.5 | 36 | 54.7 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 166 | 423.8 | 130 | 282 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | 81.9 | 74 | 120 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | — | 26.37 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | — | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | — | 6.58 | — |