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

In category, the Airbus Helicopters H135 and the Leonardo AW109 Grand New are typically positioned as light twin‑engine helicopters, while the Bell 429 GlobalRanger is commonly viewed as a larger, slightly heavier light twin that emphasizes cabin volume and utility. For range, all three can cover broadly similar mission profiles such as regional business or EMS legs, but the Bell 429 and AW109 Grand New are often selected when operators want comparatively stronger cross‑country capability, while the H135 is frequently optimized around high‑cycle missions with efficient short‑to‑medium sectors. Passenger capacity differs most in cabin use: the H135 is usually configured around a smaller executive cabin (often about five to six passengers plus crew), the AW109 Grand New generally accommodates a similar number in VIP layouts (typically up to six to seven passengers depending on fit), and the Bell 429 commonly supports the highest practical passenger load in typical configurations (often six to seven plus crew) thanks to its wider cabin and rear loading flexibility. Actual range and seats vary with fuel, avionics, and interior choices.

SpecAIRBUS H135Bell 429 GlobalRangerAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 6.29$ 7.31
Min Crew111
Total Seats988
Flight RulesIFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellLeonardo
Aircraft NameH135429 GlobalRangerAW109 Grand New
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342365464
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.79$ 0.91
Max Cabin Seats766
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)31242535
Standard Cabin Seats766
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 931$ 1,140
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixBell BasiX-ProEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136148156
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$7,500,000$ 7,800,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats988
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats766
Standard Cabin Seats766
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelArrius 2B2+PW207D1PW207C
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400040004000
Horsepower6601100735
No. of Engines222
Fuel Burn (gph)76
Fuel Capacity (gal)216.9152
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.54342.5
Overall Height (ft)12.613.2511.5
Rotor Diameter (ft)343635.5
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173130
Width (ft)26.37
Cabin Width (ft)5
Cabin Height (ft)4
Cabin Length (ft)6.58
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)74