Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New
In the light twin category, the Airbus H135 and Leonardo AW109 Grand New sit as compact, high-utilization aircraft: the H135 typically carries about 5–6 passengers with a useful range around 300–350 nm, while the AW109 is usually configured for about 6–7 passengers and can reach roughly 430–500 nm depending on fit and reserves. The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger is also a light twin but roomier, commonly seating about 6–7 passengers with range typically around 360–400 nm. Moving up a class, the Airbus H160 is a medium twin aimed at greater cabin volume and efficiency, often carrying about 8–12 passengers with a range roughly 450–480 nm. The Bell 525 Relentless is a super-medium twin designed for longer legs and higher payload, commonly set up for about 12–16 passengers with range around 500–560 nm. In general, H135/AW109 prioritize agility and lower operating footprint, 429 balances cabin and versatility, H160 adds comfort and modern efficiency, and 525 targets the highest capacity and longest reach of this group.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H160 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | Bell 525 Relentless | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | — | $ 6.05 | — | $ 7.31 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 14 | 8 | 18 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H160 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | 525 Relentless | AW109 Grand New |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 460 | 381 | 580 | 464 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | — | $ 0.76 | — | $ 0.91 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 6 | 16 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 3992 | 2528 | 6675 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 6 | 16 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | — | $ 931 | — | $ 1,140 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | Garmin G5000H | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 155 | 154 | 160 | 156 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $14,000,000 | $7,700,000 | $15,000,000 | $ 7,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 14 | 8 | 18 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 6 | 16 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 6 | 16 | 6 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | HE Arrano | PW207D1 | CT7-2F1 | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | — | 1100 | 1800 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 76 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 216.9 | 641 | 152 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 39.4 | 43 | 61.58 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13.1 | 12.39 | 18.18 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 45.2 | 36 | 54.5 | 35.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | — | 130 | — | — |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 26.37 | 25.77 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 5 | 7.58 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 4 | 4.5 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 6.58 | 15.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 74 | 128 | — |