Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Airbus Helicopters H145
The Airbus H135 is typically positioned as a light twin-engine helicopter optimized for short to medium missions such as EMS, training, and urban utility work. In category terms it is smaller and lighter than the other two, with a generally shorter range and a lower passenger capacity, commonly configured for a pilot plus several passengers depending on interior layout. The Bell 429 GlobalRanger sits in the light-intermediate class, bridging compact size with a larger cabin than many light twins. It commonly offers a useful step up in passenger space and mission flexibility versus the H135, with range generally in a similar short-to-mid bracket, varying noticeably by fuel reserves, payload, and equipment. The Airbus H145 is a larger, more capable aircraft in the light-intermediate segment, typically offering the greatest cabin volume and highest passenger capacity of the three in common configurations. It also tends to provide the longest range potential when equipped and operated for endurance, making it well suited to roles needing more people, more equipment, or longer legs.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | $ 6.29 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H145 | 429 GlobalRanger |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 352 | 365 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.79 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4200 | 2535 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | $ 931 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 148 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $7,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 894 | 1100 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 76 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 216.9 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 44.8 | 43 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13 | 13.25 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36.1 | 36 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 166 | 130 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | 74 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 26.37 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 6.58 |