Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H155 vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker
In category terms, the Airbus Helicopters H135 is a light twin, optimized for short-to-medium missions such as EMS, law enforcement, and utility work. The Leonardo AW109 Grand New is also a light twin but is typically positioned more toward fast, premium corporate/VIP transport. The Leonardo AW109 Trekker remains in the light-twin class yet is configured more for utility and mixed operations, including rougher or more varied landing environments, rather than purely executive fit. The Airbus Helicopters H155 sits a class above as a medium twin, offering a larger cabin and a more “step-up” capability set for offshore, corporate, and parapublic roles. For range, the H155 generally leads thanks to its larger airframe and fuel capacity, making it better suited to longer legs. The H135, AW109 Grand New, and AW109 Trekker are broadly comparable in overall range, typically serving regional missions rather than extended point-to-point routes, with real-world range depending heavily on payload and reserves. For passenger capacity, the H155 usually carries the most passengers in a typical cabin layout. The H135 and both AW109 variants are commonly configured for fewer passengers, with the AW109 Grand New and Trekker often arranged around 6–7 passenger seating depending on interior and mission kit.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H155 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 11.06 | $ 7.31 | $ 7.40 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 14 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H155 | AW109 Grand New | AW109 Trekker |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 423 | 464 | 450 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.93 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4012 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,593 | $ 1,140 | $ 1,125 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | EFIS | Genesys Aerosystems |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 144 | 156 | 152 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $14,800,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $6,950,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 14 | 8 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2C2 | PW207C | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 943 | 735 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 332 | 152 | 152 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 46.9 | 42.5 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 14.3 | 11.5 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 41.1 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 235.2 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 88.3 | — | — |