Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H155 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker vs Leonardo Aw139 vs Leonardo Sh09
By category, the Airbus H135 and Leonardo AW109 Trekker are light twin-engine helicopters typically used for EMS, training, law enforcement, and short-hop corporate missions. The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger also sits in the light-twin class but is often positioned toward higher-speed, higher-payload light utility and corporate roles. Moving up, the Airbus H155 is a medium twin aimed at VIP and offshore support with greater cabin volume than the light class. The Leonardo AW139 is a super‑medium twin designed for offshore energy, SAR, and high-utilization transport, offering the strongest all-around payload and mission flexibility in this group. The Leonardo SH09 (single-engine light class) targets cost-sensitive utility, patrol, and liaison work rather than heavy multi-role operations. In range, light twins such as H135/AW109/429 generally offer the shortest to mid-range legs; SH09 is similar but mission-dependent due to single-engine tradeoffs. H155 extends range versus the light class, while AW139 typically provides the longest practical range and endurance among these. For passenger capacity, H135 and SH09 are usually configured for roughly 5–7 passengers, AW109 and Bell 429 commonly about 6–8, H155 about 8–12, and AW139 about 12–15+ depending on interior and mission fit.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H155 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 11.06 | $ 6.05 | $ 7.40 | $ 11.69 | $4.48 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 14 | 8 | 8 | 17 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H155 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW109 Trekker | AW139 | SH09 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 423 | 381 | 450 | 573 | 430 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.69 | $0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 15 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4012 | 2528 | — | 4701 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 15 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,593 | $ 931 | $ 1,125 | $ 1,929 | $627 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | Genesys Aerosystems | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 144 | 154 | 152 | 165 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $14,800,000 | $7,700,000 | $6,950,000 | $15,900,000 | $3,500,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | — | — | — | — | 7 |
| Cabin | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 14 | 8 | 8 | 17 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 15 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 15 | 6 |
| Engine | ||||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2C2 | PW207D1 | PW207C | PT6C-67C | HTS 900 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 5000 | 5500 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 943 | 1100 | 735 | 1679 | 1020 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 332 | 216.9 | 152 | 414 | — |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 76 | — | — | — |
| Dimensions | ||||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 46.9 | 43 | 42.5 | 54.7 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 14.3 | 12.39 | 11.5 | 16.4 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 41.1 | 36 | 35.5 | 54.7 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 235.2 | 130 | — | 282 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 88.3 | 74 | — | 120 | — |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 26.37 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 5 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 4 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 6.58 | — | — | — |