Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw169
The Airbus H135 is the lightest of the four and is typically positioned as a light twin for training, EMS, and short-range utility missions. It generally offers the shortest range in this group and the smallest cabin, commonly carrying about 5–7 passengers depending on interior and mission kit. The Airbus H145 sits a step up as a light-intermediate twin with a larger, more flexible cabin; it usually carries around 8–9 passengers and tends to deliver more range and payload capability than the H135, making it a common choice for EMS, law enforcement, and offshore support in near- to mid-range roles. The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger is also in the light-intermediate class, broadly comparable to the H145 in mission set, with typical seating around 7–8 passengers and range generally in the same bracket, depending on fuel and configuration. The Leonardo AW169 is the largest here, often categorized in the intermediate segment; it typically offers the most cabin volume and highest passenger capacity (about 8–10) and commonly provides the longest range and best growth margin for longer, higher-payload missions.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | $ 6.05 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H145 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 352 | 381 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4200 | 2528 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | $ 931 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 154 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $7,700,000 | $9,450,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 | 10 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 894 | 1100 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 216.9 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 44.8 | 43 | 48.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13 | 12.39 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36.1 | 36 | — |
| 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 | — |