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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.

SpecAIRBUS H135Bell 429 GlobalRangerAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 TrekkerAGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09
Summary
Cockpit2222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 6.29$ 7.40$4.48
Min Crew1111
Total Seats9888
Flight RulesIFRIFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellLeonardoLeonardo
Aircraft NameH135429 GlobalRangerAW109 TrekkerSH09
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAIn-Development
Max Range (nm)342365450430
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.79$ 0.93$0.56
Max Cabin Seats7666
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)31242535
Standard Cabin Seats7666
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 931$ 1,125$627
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixBell BasiX-ProGenesys AerosystemsEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136148152140
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$7,500,000 $6,950,000 $3,500,000
Max Passengers7
Cabin
Cockpit2222
Min Crew1111
Total Seats9888
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats766
Standard Cabin Seats7666
Engine
FADECYesYesYesYes
ModelArrius 2B2+PW207D1PW207CHTS 900
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)4000400040005500
Horsepower66011007351020
No. of Engines2221
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