AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Cessna Citation Xls

The Airbus Helicopters H135 and Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger are twin‑engine light helicopters aimed at short‑range, point‑to‑point missions (EMS, law enforcement, utility, and VIP). The H135 is typically configured for about 5–7 passengers (plus pilots, depending on layout) and offers an effective range on the order of roughly 300 nautical miles, varying with reserves, payload, and mission profile. The Bell 429 is in a similar category but slightly larger in cabin volume, commonly seating about 6–7 passengers, with a broadly comparable range often cited around 350–400 nautical miles under favorable conditions. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a light business jet designed for longer, faster regional and transcontinental legs between airports. It typically seats about 8–9 passengers (plus crew) and has a much greater range, commonly around 1,800–2,100 nautical miles depending on payload, winds, and reserves. In short, the helicopters prioritize vertical access and short hops, while the XLS+ prioritizes speed, altitude, and significantly longer range.

SpecAIRBUS H135Bell 429WLG GlobalRangerCessna Citation XLS+
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 6.05$ 5.34
Min Crew112
Total Seats9810
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellCessna Citation
Aircraft NameH135429WLG GlobalRangerXLS+
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)3423811906
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.76$ 0.67
Max Cabin Seats769
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)312425287540
Standard Cabin Seats768
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 931$ 2,303
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixBell BasiX-ProRockwell Collins Pro Line 21
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136154430
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$7,700,000$15,500,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew112
Total Seats9810
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats769
Standard Cabin Seats768
Lavatory1 Enclosed Belted Flushing
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatNo
Galley LocationFWD
Lavatory LocationAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)9.3
Galley / RefreshmentGalley
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)25230
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelArrius 2B2+PW207D1PW545C
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400040005000
Horsepower6601100
No. of Engines222
Fuel Burn (gph)76
Fuel Capacity (gal)216.9
Flat RatingISA + 10
Thrust (lbs)4119
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.54352.5
Overall Height (ft)12.612.3917.2
Rotor Diameter (ft)3436
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173130
Width (ft)26.37
Cabin Width (ft)55.5
Cabin Height (ft)45.7
Cabin Length (ft)6.5818.5
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)7480
Wingspan (ft)56.3
Aisle Step (ft)0.7
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.9
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)14.3
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)10