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Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger

Airbus Helicopters’ H135 and the Bell 429WLG (GlobalRanger) are both twin‑engine light helicopters commonly used for EMS, law enforcement, corporate transport, and utility missions, but they sit in slightly different parts of the light‑twin category. The H135 is generally considered a light twin with a strong emphasis on compact footprint, low noise, and high dispatch reliability, making it especially popular in HEMS and urban operations. The Bell 429WLG is also a light twin, typically positioned a step up in cabin volume and payload flexibility, often favored when more space and comfort are priorities. In range, both offer practical mission ranges in the few‑hundred‑nautical‑mile class depending heavily on configuration, fuel reserves, and mission equipment; in many real-world fit-outs the Bell 429WLG often edges longer legs, while the H135 remains highly competitive for short‑to‑medium sectors and frequent cycles. For passenger capacity, both can be configured for a pilot plus multiple passengers, but the 429WLG generally supports more seating in typical layouts, while the H135 is frequently optimized for fewer passengers or specialized medical interiors.

SpecAIRBUS H135Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 6.05
Min Crew11
Total Seats98
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBell
Aircraft NameH135429WLG GlobalRanger
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342381
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.76
Max Cabin Seats76
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)31242528
Standard Cabin Seats76
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 931
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixBell BasiX-Pro
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136154
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$7,700,000
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats98
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats76
Standard Cabin Seats76
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelArrius 2B2+PW207D1
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40004000
Horsepower6601100
No. of Engines22
Fuel Burn (gph)76
Fuel Capacity (gal)216.9
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.543
Overall Height (ft)12.612.39
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