Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 412epi
The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a light twin‑engine helicopter typically used for EMS, law enforcement, training, and short‑haul corporate missions, while the Bell 412EPi is a medium twin designed for heavier utility work, offshore support, firefighting, and transport roles where payload and cabin volume matter more than compactness. In range, the H135 generally offers a shorter practical mission radius than the 412EPi; depending on configuration, fuel reserves, and operating conditions, the H135 is often planned around a few hundred nautical miles, whereas the 412EPi commonly supports longer legs and greater endurance, particularly in transport-oriented layouts. Passenger capacity also separates them clearly. The H135 is usually configured for a small group, commonly around five to seven passengers in a typical passenger/corporate fit (or fewer when equipped for medical interiors). The Bell 412EPi’s larger cabin and higher useful load allow it to carry more people, often around nine to thirteen passengers depending on seating and mission equipment.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 412EPi |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 12.09 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 14 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | 412EPi |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 361 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.86 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 13 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4829 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 13 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,487 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 123 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $ 12,500,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 14 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 13 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 13 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | PT6T-9 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 1370 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 113 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 330.5 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 52.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 46 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 220 |
| Width (ft) | — | 33 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 28 |