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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 6.29 | $ 7.40 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | 429 GlobalRanger | AW109 Trekker |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 365 | 450 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 2535 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 931 | $ 1,125 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Bell BasiX-Pro | Genesys Aerosystems |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 148 | 152 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $7,500,000 | $6,950,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207D1 | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 1100 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 152 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 43 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13.25 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36 | 35.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 130 | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 74 | — |