Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New
In category terms, the Airbus Helicopters H135 and Leonardo AW109 Grand New sit in the light twin-engine segment, typically used for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate missions. The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger is also a light twin, generally offering a roomier cabin and strong utility/corporate flexibility. The Bell 525 Relentless is a larger, super‑medium twin aimed at longer-range executive and offshore-style missions, making it the step-up option in size and capability. For range, the H135 and AW109 Grand New are broadly comparable for regional missions, with the AW109 often marketed with a slight edge depending on configuration. The Bell 429 is similarly in the light-twin range class, commonly competitive with or slightly ahead of the H135 depending on fuel and mission fit. The Bell 525 typically leads the group by a wide margin, designed for substantially longer legs and higher cruise efficiency in its class. Passenger capacity follows size: H135 and AW109 commonly seat one to two pilots plus about five to six passengers; the Bell 429 is often configured around six to seven passengers; the Bell 525 generally supports more passengers, commonly around up to nine in executive layouts.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | Bell 525 Relentless | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 6.05 | — | $ 7.31 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 18 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | 525 Relentless | AW109 Grand New |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 381 | 580 | 464 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.76 | — | $ 0.91 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 16 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 2528 | 6675 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 16 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 931 | — | $ 1,140 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Bell BasiX-Pro | Garmin G5000H | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 154 | 160 | 156 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $7,700,000 | $15,000,000 | $ 7,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 18 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 16 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 16 | 6 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207D1 | CT7-2F1 | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 1100 | 1800 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 641 | 152 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 43 | 61.58 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 12.39 | 18.18 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36 | 54.5 | 35.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 130 | — | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | 25.77 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | 7.58 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | 4.5 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | 15.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 74 | 128 | — |