Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Airbus Helicopters H145
In category, the Airbus H135 is typically positioned as a light twin-engine helicopter optimized for training, law enforcement, EMS, and short-hop corporate missions. The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger sits in the light-to-intermediate twin class, often chosen when operators want a bit more cabin volume and performance margin than entry-level light twins. The Airbus H145 is generally viewed as a larger, more capable medium-twin (upper light/medium segment), widely used for EMS, offshore support, and utility work where payload and cabin flexibility matter. On range, all three are commonly used for short to mid-length missions, but the H145 usually offers the strongest practical mission radius and endurance in typical operator configurations, the Bell 429 is broadly comparable and often competitive depending on fuel/cabin fit, and the H135 tends to be the most range-limited of the three when configured for higher payload or specialized equipment. For passenger capacity, the H135 commonly carries about five to seven passengers (mission-dependent), the Bell 429 typically seats around six to seven, and the H145 often accommodates eight to nine, with superior space for medical or multi-role interiors.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | $ 6.05 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H145 | 429WLG GlobalRanger |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 352 | 381 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.76 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4200 | 2528 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | $ 931 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 154 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $7,700,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 894 | 1100 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 76 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 216.9 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 44.8 | 43 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13 | 12.39 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36.1 | 36 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 166 | 130 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | 74 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 26.37 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 6.58 |