Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw169
The Airbus H135 and H145 and the Bell 429 and Leonardo AW169 are all light twin-engine helicopters, while the Airbus H175 is a larger “super-medium” twin intended for higher payload and longer legs. In general category terms, H135 sits at the lighter end (often used for EMS and training), H145 is a step up in light-twin utility with more cabin volume, Bell 429 is a comparable light-twin competitor optimized for speed and a roomy cabin, and AW169 is a heavier, more capable light-intermediate twin bridging toward medium-class missions. For range, the H135 typically offers the shortest legs among these light twins, while H145 and Bell 429 are broadly similar mid-pack. The AW169 commonly matches or slightly exceeds typical light-twin endurance depending on fit, and the H175 generally provides the longest range in this group thanks to its larger fuel and performance margins. For passenger capacity, H135 is usually configured for fewer passengers, H145 and Bell 429 commonly seat around six to seven in corporate layouts, AW169 often supports seven to eight, and H175 typically carries the most, commonly around twelve to sixteen depending on configuration.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | AIRBUS H175 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | $ 13.53 | $ 6.29 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 18 | 8 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H145 | H175 | 429 GlobalRanger | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 352 | 573 | 365 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.75 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 18 | 6 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4200 | 6797 | 2535 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 16 | 6 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | $ 2,016 | $ 931 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 149 | 148 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $17,900,000 | $7,500,000 | $9,450,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 18 | 8 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 18 | 6 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 16 | 6 | 10 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | PT6A-67E | PW207D1 | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 3500 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 894 | 1775 | 1100 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | — | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | — | 216.9 | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 44.8 | 59.2 | 43 | 48.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13 | 17.5 | 13.25 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36.1 | 48.5 | 36 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 166 | 423.8 | 130 | 222.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | 81.9 | 74 | 49.5 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | — | 26.37 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | — | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | — | 6.58 | — |