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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 6.05 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | 429WLG GlobalRanger |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 381 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.76 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 2528 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 931 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 154 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $7,700,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207D1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 1100 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 43 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 12.39 |
| 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 |