Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429 Globalranger
In category terms, the Airbus Helicopters H135 is typically positioned as a light twin-engine helicopter optimized for training, EMS, and compact urban operations, while the Airbus Helicopters H145 sits in the light–intermediate twin class with more cabin volume and higher useful load for EMS, law enforcement, and utility missions. The Bell 429 GlobalRanger is also a light twin-engine helicopter, generally comparable to the H135 in class but often seen as offering a roomy cabin for its category and strong IFR-capable mission flexibility. For range, the H135 and Bell 429 are broadly in the same general bracket for typical mission profiles, with the Bell 429 commonly cited as slightly longer-legged depending on configuration, fuel, and reserves. The H145 generally offers similar or greater practical mission radius than the H135 due to higher fuel and performance options, though exact figures vary by variant and equipment. For passenger capacity, the H135 commonly carries one or two pilots plus around five to six passengers in typical layouts, the H145 usually accommodates one or two pilots plus about seven to eight passengers, and the Bell 429 commonly seats one or two pilots plus about six to seven passengers, subject to interior and mission fit.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | $ 6.29 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H145 | 429 GlobalRanger |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 352 | 365 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.79 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4200 | 2535 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | $ 931 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 148 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $7,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 894 | 1100 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 76 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 216.9 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 44.8 | 43 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13 | 13.25 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36.1 | 36 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 166 | 130 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | 74 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 26.37 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 6.58 |