Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker vs Leonardo Sh09
In category terms, the Airbus Helicopters H135 and Bell 429 GlobalRanger are widely used, twin‑engine light helicopters optimized for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport. The Leonardo AW109 Trekker sits at the upper end of the light twin class, often positioned as a faster, more “executive” light twin with strong hot‑and‑high and utility flexibility. The Leonardo SH09 is a newer‑generation, single‑engine light helicopter concept aimed at cost‑efficient multi‑role operations, so it typically competes more on simplicity and operating economics than on twin‑engine redundancy. For range, the H135 and Bell 429 generally offer broadly comparable light‑twin mission reach, with real‑world range varying by cabin fit, payload, and reserves. The AW109 Trekker commonly provides similar or better mission range than many light twins, depending on tank options and cruise profile. The SH09, as a single‑engine design, is generally expected to deliver competitive range for its class, though final figures depend on certification and configuration. For passenger capacity, H135 and Bell 429 typically carry a pilot plus a small group of passengers in standard transport layouts, while the AW109 Trekker often accommodates a similar or slightly more flexible cabin count depending on seating. The SH09 targets a smaller light‑single passenger load in most layouts.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 6.29 | $ 7.40 | $4.48 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | 429 GlobalRanger | AW109 Trekker | SH09 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 365 | 450 | 430 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 2535 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 931 | $ 1,125 | $627 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Bell BasiX-Pro | Genesys Aerosystems | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 148 | 152 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $7,500,000 | $6,950,000 | $3,500,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | — | — | 7 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207D1 | PW207C | HTS 900 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 5500 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 1100 | 735 | 1020 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 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 | — | — |