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Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker

All three are twin‑engine light helicopters commonly used for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport, but they differ in emphasis. The Airbus Helicopters H135 is typically viewed as a light twin optimized for high utilization missions, especially EMS, with a compact footprint and a cabin frequently configured for medical equipment; its passenger capacity is generally up to about seven to eight seats depending on layout. The Bell 429 GlobalRanger sits toward the upper end of the light‑twin class with a larger cabin and is often configured for up to about seven passengers plus one or two crew; it is commonly chosen when cabin volume and comfort are priorities. The Leonardo AW109 Trekker is also a light twin, positioned as a fast, versatile multi‑role aircraft with a configurable cabin; passenger seating is typically around six to seven, depending on mission kit. On range, all are broadly comparable for typical light‑twin missions, but the AW109 Trekker and Bell 429 are often cited with slightly higher maximum range figures in many configurations, while the H135 is competitive and widely used for shorter‑to‑medium sector profiles typical of EMS and utility work. Configuration, payload, and reserves can change real‑world range significantly.

SpecAIRBUS H135Bell 429 GlobalRangerAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 6.29$ 7.40
Min Crew111
Total Seats988
Flight RulesIFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellLeonardo
Aircraft NameH135429 GlobalRangerAW109 Trekker
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342365450
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.79$ 0.93
Max Cabin Seats766
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)31242535
Standard Cabin Seats766
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 931$ 1,125
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixBell BasiX-ProGenesys Aerosystems
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136148152
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$7,500,000 $6,950,000
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