Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Subaru Bell 412epx
The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a light twin-engine helicopter typically used for training, EMS, and police work. It sits in the smallest category of the three and generally carries about five to seven passengers in addition to one or two pilots, depending on interior and mission fit. Its range is moderate for the class, commonly in the roughly 300–350 nautical mile band. The Airbus Helicopters H145 is a larger, light-to-medium twin that offers more cabin volume and useful load than the H135, making it popular for EMS, SAR, and offshore shuttle roles. Passenger capacity is typically around eight to nine passengers plus one or two pilots. Its range is broadly similar to, and often slightly better than, the H135 in typical configurations, commonly around the mid‑300 nautical mile range. The Subaru Bell 412EPX is a medium twin with the highest lifting capability and cabin utility of the group. It is often configured for about ten to thirteen passengers plus two pilots and is well suited to utility, firefighting support, and troop/crew transport. Range is generally comparable to the others, often in the low‑to‑mid 300 nautical mile range, varying with fuel tanks and payload.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | Subaru Bell 412EPX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | $ 12.09 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 15 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Subaru Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H145 | 412EPX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | Certified |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 352 | 361 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.86 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 13 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4200 | 5385 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 13 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | $ 1,487 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 123 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $ 12,875,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 15 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 13 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 13 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | PT6T-9 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | Jet Fuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 894 | 1370 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 113 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 330.5 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 44.8 | 52.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36.1 | 46 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 166 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | 28 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 33 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 220 |