Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Sikorsky S 76d
By category, the Airbus H135 and Leonardo AW109 Grand New are light twin-engine helicopters typically chosen for EMS, corporate, and utility work, while the Airbus H145 sits in the light–intermediate twin class with more cabin volume and lifting capability. The Sikorsky S‑76D is generally regarded as a medium twin, optimized for higher-speed corporate and offshore missions with a larger, more “executive” cabin feel. In range, the H135 is usually the shortest-legged of the four, suited to regional sectors. The H145 typically offers a step up in practical mission radius over the H135. The AW109 Grand New is often competitive with, and in some configurations can exceed, the light Airbus types on range, especially with long-range tank options. The S‑76D commonly provides the strongest long-range capability in this group, aligning with offshore and longer corporate legs. For passenger capacity, the H135 commonly carries about 6–7 passengers (mission dependent), the AW109 Grand New about 6–7, the H145 typically 8–9, and the S‑76D typically 8–12 depending on interior and mission fit.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | Sikorsky S-76D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | $ 7.31 | $ 11.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H145 | AW109 Grand New | S-76D |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 352 | 464 | 441 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.96 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4200 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | $ 1,140 | $ 1,781 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | EFIS | Thales TopDeck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 156 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $14,900,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 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 | PW207C | PW210S |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 894 | 735 | 1077 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 152 | 296 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 44.8 | 42.5 | 52.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13 | 11.5 | 14.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36.1 | 35.5 | 44 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 166 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | — | — |