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Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker

The Airbus Helicopters H135 is typically positioned as a light twin in the EMS, police, and corporate category, trading outright cabin volume for efficiency and manageable operating footprint; depending on configuration it commonly carries a pilot plus about five to six passengers and offers a moderate range suitable for regional missions. The Bell 429 GlobalRanger sits a step up in the light-intermediate twin category with a roomier cabin; it is commonly configured for a pilot plus six to seven passengers and generally delivers similar-to-better practical range than the H135 for point-to-point transport. The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger is essentially the 429 with wheeled landing gear, aimed at smoother ground handling and airport-style operations; passenger capacity is effectively the same as the standard 429 and range is broadly comparable, with mission details and options driving differences. Leonardo’s AW109 Grand New is a fast light twin focused on executive/VIP missions; it typically accommodates a pilot plus about six to seven passengers and often emphasizes speed over maximum range. The AW109 Trekker is a utility-oriented AW109 variant with skids for rugged operations; capacity is similar to the Grand New, while range is generally competitive in the class but varies with equipment and mission kit.

SpecAIRBUS H135Bell 429 GlobalRangerBell 429WLG GlobalRangerAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand NewAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker
Summary
Cockpit22222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 6.29$ 6.05$ 7.31$ 7.40
Min Crew11111
Total Seats98888
Flight RulesIFRIFRIFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellBellLeonardoLeonardo
Aircraft NameH135429 GlobalRanger429WLG GlobalRangerAW109 Grand NewAW109 Trekker
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342365381464450
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.79$ 0.76$ 0.91$ 0.93
Max Cabin Seats76666
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)312425352528
Standard Cabin Seats76666
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 931$ 931$ 1,140$ 1,125
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixBell BasiX-ProBell BasiX-ProEFISGenesys Aerosystems
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136148154156152
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$7,500,000$7,700,000$ 7,800,000 $6,950,000
Cabin
Cockpit22222
Min Crew11111
Total Seats98888
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats76666
Standard Cabin Seats76666
Engine
FADECYesYesYesYesYes
ModelArrius 2B2+PW207D1PW207D1PW207CPW207C
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40004000400040004000
Horsepower66011001100735735
No. of Engines22222
Fuel Burn (gph)7676
Fuel Capacity (gal)216.9216.9152152
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.5434342.542.5
Overall Height (ft)12.613.2512.3911.511.5
Rotor Diameter (ft)34363635.535.5
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173130130
Width (ft)26.3726.37
Cabin Width (ft)55
Cabin Height (ft)44
Cabin Length (ft)6.586.58
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)7474