Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker vs Leonardo Aw169
The Airbus H135 is a light twin used for training, EMS, and police work; it typically carries about 5–6 passengers (plus crew) and offers a practical range in the roughly 330–390 nautical mile class depending on configuration. The Airbus H145 steps up into the light/medium twin category with a larger cabin and higher payload; it commonly accommodates about 8–9 passengers and has a similar-to-slightly higher practical range, often around 330–400 nautical miles, again varying with fuel fit and mission kit. Leonardo’s AW109 Trekker sits in the light twin segment focused on speed and executive/utility flexibility; it usually seats about 6–7 passengers and can deliver a practical range around 360–450 nautical miles depending on tanks and reserves. The Leonardo AW169 is a larger, intermediate twin intended for more demanding EMS, offshore support, and corporate shuttle roles; typical passenger capacity is around 8–10, with a practical range often in the 420–500 nautical mile class. Exact figures vary by avionics, interior, auxiliary tanks, and required reserves.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | $ 7.40 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H145 | AW109 Trekker | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 352 | 450 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.99 |
| 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 | $ 1,125 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | Genesys Aerosystems | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 152 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $6,950,000 | $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 | PW207C | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 894 | 735 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 152 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 44.8 | 42.5 | 48.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13 | 11.5 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36.1 | 35.5 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 166 | — | 222.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | — | 49.5 |