Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 412epi
Airbus Helicopters’ H135 is the lightest of the three and is typically positioned as a light twin for training, EMS, and corporate missions. It offers the shortest overall range in this comparison, generally in the mid‑500 km class depending on configuration, and it usually carries a pilot plus about five to six passengers in a high-density layout, with more space often allocated to medical or mission equipment. The Airbus H145 sits in the light‑to‑medium twin category with a larger cabin and higher useful load than the H135. It commonly provides a longer practical range than the H135, often around the mid‑600 km class, and typically accommodates a pilot plus seven to eight passengers, making it popular for EMS, law enforcement, and offshore/utility support. The Bell 412EPi is a medium twin and is generally the largest-capacity aircraft here, optimized for utility, SAR, and transport roles. Its range is broadly comparable to, and often slightly ahead of, the H145 depending on tanks and payload (commonly mid‑600 to ~700 km class), and it typically seats a pilot plus around 10 to 12 passengers.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 412EPi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | $ 12.09 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 14 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H145 | 412EPi |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 352 | 361 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.86 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 13 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4200 | 4829 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 13 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | $ 1,487 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 123 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $ 12,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 14 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 13 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 13 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | PT6T-9 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 894 | 1370 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 113 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 330.5 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 44.8 | 52.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36.1 | 46 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 166 | 220 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | 28 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 33 |