Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker vs Leonardo Aw119kx
In category, the Airbus H135 and H145 and the Bell 429 are twin‑engine light helicopters, with the H145 typically sitting at the upper end of the “light twin” class in size and useful load, while the Leonardo AW109 Trekker is also a light twin but generally positioned as a faster, more executive‑oriented variant. The Leonardo AW119Kx is the outlier as a single‑engine light helicopter, often chosen where operating cost and simplicity matter more than twin‑engine redundancy. On range, the AW109 Trekker and Bell 429 generally trend toward the longer end of typical light‑twin missions, the H145 is commonly comparable and often strong with optional tanks, and the H135 is usually somewhat shorter‑legged than the larger light twins. The AW119Kx can offer competitive range for a single, depending on configuration, but mission reserves and payload tradeoffs are more sensitive. For passenger capacity, H135 missions commonly seat about 5–6 passengers, while H145, Bell 429, and AW109 Trekker are often configured around 6–8 passengers; the AW119Kx is typically around 6 passengers.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119Kx |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | $ 6.29 | $ 7.40 | $ 6.76 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H145 | 429 GlobalRanger | AW109 Trekker | AW119Kx |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 352 | 365 | 450 | 515 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.84 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4200 | 2535 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | $ 931 | $ 1,125 | $ 885 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | Genesys Aerosystems | Garmin G1000H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 148 | 152 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $7,500,000 | $6,950,000 | $3,850,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 | PW207C | PT6B-37A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4500 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 894 | 1100 | 735 | 917 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 76 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 216.9 | 152 | 160 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 44.8 | 43 | 42.5 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13 | 13.25 | 11.5 | 11.9 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36.1 | 36 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| 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 | — | — |