Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Bell 429 Globalranger

The Airbus Helicopters H135, Airbus Helicopters H160, and Bell 429 GlobalRanger sit in different light-to-medium twin categories and are typically chosen accordingly. The H135 and Bell 429 are both light twin-engine helicopters widely used for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport, while the H160 is a larger, newer-generation medium twin aimed more at offshore, VIP/corporate, and higher-end multi-mission work. In range, the H160 generally leads, offering the longest typical mission reach among the three. The Bell 429 and H135 are closer to each other, with the 429 often advertised with a somewhat longer typical range than many H135 configurations, though real-world range varies significantly with cabin fit, payload, reserves, and operating profile. For passenger capacity, the H160 usually accommodates the most thanks to its larger cabin and higher useful load. The Bell 429 typically carries more passengers than the H135 in common corporate seating layouts, while the H135 is frequently configured for fewer passengers when equipped for medical or specialized mission roles.