Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H155 vs Airbus Helicopters H225
The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a light twin-engine helicopter typically used for EMS, police, training, and short-range corporate missions. It generally carries about 5 to 7 passengers depending on cabin layout (with one or two pilots), and its practical mission range is in the “few hundred nautical miles” class, optimized more for flexibility and operating cost than long-distance travel. The H155 sits in the medium twin category, positioned for offshore support, SAR, and executive transport. It offers a noticeably larger cabin than the H135, commonly accommodating around 8 to 12 passengers, and provides a longer typical range than the H135, making it better suited to sustained offshore legs and point-to-point regional transport. The H225 is a heavy twin designed for demanding offshore, SAR, and utility missions. It carries the most people—often around 16 to 19 passengers in offshore layouts (and more in high-density seating)—and delivers the greatest range of the three, supporting longer overwater sectors and higher payload requirements.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H155 | AIRBUS H225 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 11.06 | $ 20.87 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 14 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H155 | H225 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 423 | 454 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 28 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4012 | 11929 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,593 | $ 2,963 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 144 | 142 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $14,800,000 | $ 29,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 14 | 21 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 28 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 19 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2C2 | Makila 2A1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 943 | 2100 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 332 | 684 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 46.9 | 63.4 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 14.3 | 16.3 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 41.1 | 53.2 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 235.2 | 547 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 88.3 | — |