Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H155 vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Leonardo Aw189
The Airbus H135 is a light twin in the short-range category, typically used for EMS, training, and utility missions. It generally offers the shortest range of the four and usually seats about 5–7 passengers in a standard passenger layout (configuration dependent). The Leonardo AW169 and Airbus H155 sit in the intermediate/midsize twin category, stepping up in range and cabin volume; both commonly carry around 8–10 passengers, with the AW169 often positioned as a modern, flexible 4–5 ton-class helicopter and the H155 as a larger-cabin midsize option aimed at corporate, SAR, and offshore support. The Leonardo AW189 is the clear heavy/large-cabin twin in this group, optimized for offshore and SAR, with the greatest range and payload flexibility; it commonly carries roughly 16–19 passengers in typical offshore seating. Overall, range and passenger capacity scale upward from H135 to AW169/H155, and peak with the AW189, while all vary notably with fuel reserves, mission equipment, and cabin fit.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H155 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 11.06 | $ 11.84 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 14 | 12 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H155 | AW169 | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 423 | 440 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.99 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 10 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4012 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 10 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,593 | $ 1,658 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 144 | 140 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $14,800,000 | $9,450,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 14 | 12 | 21 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 10 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 10 | 19 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2C2 | PW210A | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 943 | 1000 | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 332 | — | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 46.9 | 48.1 | 57.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 14.3 | 14.8 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 41.1 | — | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 235.2 | 222.5 | 395 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 88.3 | 49.5 | 85 |