Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Sh09
Airbus Helicopters’ H135 and Bell’s 429 GlobalRanger are both established twin‑engine light helicopters commonly positioned in the light/medium utility segment for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport. The H135 is typically categorized as a light twin and is known for efficient short‑to‑medium missions; depending on configuration and reserves, its practical range is roughly in the mid‑500 to mid‑600 km class. Passenger capacity is usually one or two pilots plus about five to six passengers, with higher counts possible in high‑density seating. The Bell 429 is also a light twin but generally sits toward the larger, higher‑payload end of that class. Its range is broadly comparable or slightly higher depending on fuel fit, often around the ~600 km class, and it commonly seats one or two pilots plus six to seven passengers in typical corporate/utility layouts. Leonardo’s SH09 is a single‑engine light helicopter, aimed more at training, private/corporate, and light utility roles. As a lighter single, its range is generally shorter than the two twins, typically around the ~500 km class, and passenger capacity is usually one pilot plus four passengers (or two pilots plus three).
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 6.29 | $4.48 |
| 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 | SH09 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 365 | 430 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.79 | $0.56 |
| 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 | $627 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 148 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $7,500,000 | $3,500,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | — | 7 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207D1 | HTS 900 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 5500 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 1100 | 1020 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 43 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13.25 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36 | — |
| 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 | — |