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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | Enstrom Helicopter 280FX Shark | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | ROBINSON R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | $ 3.53 | $ 1.98 | $ 7.31 | $ 2.36 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Enstrom Helicopter | Leonardo | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H145 | 505 JetRanger X | 280FX Shark | AW109 Grand New | R44 Raven II |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 352 | 306 | 229 | 464 | 300 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.66 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.59 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | — | — | 6 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4200 | 1500 | 930 | — | 995 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 3 | — | 6 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | $ 441 | $ 198 | $ 1,140 | $ 257 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog | EFIS | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 125 | 100 | 156 | 109 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $1,445,000 | $ 560,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $ 490,000 |
| Cabin | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | 2 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | — | — | 6 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 3 | — | 6 | — |
| Engine | ||||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel | No | Yes | No |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | Arrius 2R | HI0-360-F1AD | PW207C | IO-540 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | AvGas | JetFuel | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 1500 | 4000 | 2200 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 894 | 505 | 225 | 735 | 245 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 32.3 | — | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 84.85 | 40 | 152 | 29.5 |
| TBO (yrs) | — | — | — | 12 | — | 12 |
| Fuel Delivery | — | — | — | Fuel Injected | — | Fuel Injected |
| Dimensions | ||||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 44.8 | 42.48 | 29.3 | 42.5 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13 | 10.65 | 9 | 11.5 | 10.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36.1 | 37 | 32 | 35.5 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 166 | 137 | — | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | 18 | 6 | — | — |
| 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 |