Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Leonardo Aw169
The Airbus Helicopters H135 is typically positioned as a light twin-engine helicopter suited to short-to-medium missions such as training, law enforcement, and HEMS. It generally offers the shortest range of the three and the smallest cabin, with passenger capacity commonly around five to six plus one or two crew depending on configuration. The Airbus Helicopters H145 sits a class above as a light-to-intermediate twin with a larger cabin and higher useful load, making it popular for HEMS, public services, and offshore or utility roles. It usually provides a longer range than the H135 and can be configured for roughly eight to nine passengers (or mission equipment) plus crew. The Leonardo AW169 is an intermediate-light twin that often competes directly with the H145 but trends slightly larger and heavier in many configurations. It typically matches or exceeds the H145 on range depending on fit and mission profile, and it is commonly arranged for around eight to ten passengers plus crew, emphasizing cabin volume and mission flexibility.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H145 | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 352 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4200 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $9,450,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 10 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 894 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 44.8 | 48.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36.1 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 166 | 222.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | 49.5 |