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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).

SpecAIRBUS H135Bell 429 GlobalRangerAGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 6.29$4.48
Min Crew111
Total Seats988
Flight RulesIFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellLeonardo
Aircraft NameH135429 GlobalRangerSH09
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAIn-Development
Max Range (nm)342365430
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.79$0.56
Max Cabin Seats766
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)31242535
Standard Cabin Seats766
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 931$627
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixBell BasiX-ProEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136148140
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$7,500,000$3,500,000
Max Passengers7
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats988
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats76
Standard Cabin Seats766
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelArrius 2B2+PW207D1HTS 900
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400040005500
Horsepower66011001020
No. of Engines221
Fuel Burn (gph)76
Fuel Capacity (gal)216.9
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.543
Overall Height (ft)12.613.25
Rotor Diameter (ft)3436
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