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Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Enstrom Helicopter 280fx Shark vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii

The Airbus H135 and H145 are light twin‑engine helicopters typically used for EMS, police, and corporate transport; both offer multi‑role cabins and strong IFR/ops capability. The H145 is the larger, higher‑end sibling with more space and generally longer reach. The Leonardo AW109 Grand New is also a light twin, positioned toward faster executive and utility missions, with a comparatively longer range and a higher‑performance feel than most light singles. Bell’s 505 JetRanger X is a light single‑engine turbine aimed at training and private/corporate light utility; it usually carries one pilot plus up to four passengers, with moderate range. The Robinson R44 Raven II is a light single‑engine piston helicopter focused on training, touring, and personal use; it commonly seats four (one pilot plus three passengers) with shorter range than most turbines. The Enstrom 280FX Shark is a light single‑engine piston helicopter known for stability and training/utility work; seating is typically four with range in the same general bracket as other piston singles. Overall, twins (H135, H145, AW109) generally offer greater payload flexibility and range than the single‑engine 505, 280FX, and R44.

SpecAIRBUS H135AIRBUS H145Bell 505 JetRanger XEnstrom Helicopter 280FX SharkAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand NewROBINSON R44 Raven II
Summary
Cockpit2222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 9.31$ 3.53$ 1.98$ 7.31$ 2.36
Min Crew1111
Total Seats9105384
Flight RulesIFRIFRVFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersBellEnstrom HelicopterLeonardoRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft NameH135H145505 JetRanger X280FX SharkAW109 Grand NewR44 Raven II
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342352306229464300
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.93$ 0.71$ 0.66$ 0.91$ 0.59
Max Cabin Seats796
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)312442001500930995
Standard Cabin Seats7836
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 1,210$ 441$ 198$ 1,140$ 257
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixEFISGarmin G1000HGyro / AnalogEFISGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136130125100156109
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$10,200,000$1,445,000$ 560,000$ 7,800,000$ 490,000
Cabin
Cockpit2222
Min Crew1111
Total Seats9105384
ConfigurationGreen InteriorGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats796
Standard Cabin Seats7836
Engine
FADECYesYesDual-ChannelNoYesNo
ModelArrius 2B2+Arriel 2EArrius 2RHI0-360-F1ADPW207CIO-540
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelAvGasJetFuelAvGas
TBO (hrs)400040004000150040002200
Horsepower660894505225735245
No. of Engines221121
Fuel Burn (gph)32.3
Fuel Capacity (gal)84.854015229.5
TBO (yrs)1212
Fuel DeliveryFuel InjectedFuel Injected
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.544.842.4829.342.538.3
Overall Height (ft)12.61310.65911.510.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)3436.1373235.533
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173166137
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)46.8186
Width (ft)6.51
Cabin Width (ft)4.66
Cabin Height (ft)2.75
Cabin Length (ft)7.17
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)2.5