Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Bell 525 Relentless
The Airbus H135 and H145 and the Bell 429WLG are best viewed as light twin-engine helicopters, while the Bell 525 Relentless sits in a larger, “super‑medium” category aimed at higher payload and longer missions. In range terms, the H135 and Bell 429WLG are broadly comparable for typical light-twin utility and EMS profiles, generally offering several hundred nautical miles of practical reach depending on fuel fit and reserves, while the H145 usually stretches that a bit farther thanks to higher fuel capacity and efficiency in its class. The Bell 525 is designed for materially longer legs than the other three, targeting offshore-style ranges well beyond typical light-twin missions. For passenger capacity, the H135 commonly carries around six to seven passengers in a utility layout, the Bell 429WLG typically seats about six to seven, and the H145 often accommodates around seven to eight with more cabin volume and useful load flexibility. The Bell 525 is in a different league, commonly configured for roughly 12 to 16 passengers depending on interior and mission.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | Bell 525 Relentless |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | $ 6.05 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 | 18 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H145 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | 525 Relentless |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 352 | 381 | 580 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.76 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 | 16 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4200 | 2528 | 6675 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 | 16 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | $ 931 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | Garmin G5000H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 154 | 160 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $7,700,000 | $15,000,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 | 18 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 | 16 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 | 16 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 | CT7-2F1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 894 | 1100 | 1800 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 216.9 | 641 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 44.8 | 43 | 61.58 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13 | 12.39 | 18.18 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36.1 | 36 | 54.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 166 | 130 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | 74 | 128 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 26.37 | 25.77 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 5 | 7.58 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 4 | 4.5 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 6.58 | 15.5 |