Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Sikorsky S 76d
Category-wise, the Airbus H135 sits in the light twin segment, optimized for short-to-medium missions and lower operating cost, while the Airbus H145 and Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger are larger light-intermediate twins with more cabin volume and stronger hot/high and utility capability. The Leonardo AW109 Grand New is a light twin geared toward speed and executive transport, whereas the Leonardo AW169 is a true intermediate twin aimed at higher payload, offshore, and EMS/utility missions. The Sikorsky S-76D is also an intermediate twin, typically positioned as a premium offshore and corporate platform. On range, the H135 is generally shortest among these, the H145, Bell 429, and AW109 typically offer mid-range profiles, and the AW169 and S-76D tend to provide the longest range and endurance in typical configurations. Passenger capacity broadly tracks size: the H135 commonly carries the fewest passengers, the AW109 and Bell 429 usually sit in the mid band, the H145 often accommodates more thanks to its boxier cabin, and the AW169 and S-76D generally support the highest practical passenger loads in this group. Exact figures vary by seating, fuel, and mission equipment.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | Sikorsky S-76D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | $ 6.05 | $ 7.31 | $ 11.84 | $ 11.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 12 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | VFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H145 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW109 Grand New | AW169 | S-76D |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 352 | 381 | 464 | 440 | 441 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.99 | $ 0.96 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4200 | 2528 | — | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | $ 931 | $ 1,140 | $ 1,658 | $ 1,781 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | EFIS | Thales TopDeck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 154 | 156 | 140 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $7,700,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $9,450,000 | $14,900,000 |
| Cabin | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 12 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 10 |
| Engine | ||||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 | PW207C | PW210A | PW210S |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 894 | 1100 | 735 | 1000 | 1077 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 76 | — | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 216.9 | 152 | — | 296 |
| Dimensions | ||||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 44.8 | 43 | 42.5 | 48.1 | 52.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13 | 12.39 | 11.5 | 14.8 | 14.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36.1 | 36 | 35.5 | — | 44 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 166 | 130 | — | 222.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | 74 | — | 49.5 | — |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 26.37 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 5 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 4 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 6.58 | — | — | — |