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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | Cessna Citation XLS+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 6.05 | $ 5.34 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 10 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Cessna Citation |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | XLS+ |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 381 | 1906 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.67 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 2528 | 7540 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 931 | $ 2,303 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Bell BasiX-Pro | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 154 | 430 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $7,700,000 | $15,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 10 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 9 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 8 |
| Lavatory | — | — | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | No |
| Galley Location | — | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Galley |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 25230 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207D1 | PW545C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 1100 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | — |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 10 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 4119 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 43 | 52.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 12.39 | 17.2 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 130 | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | 5.5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | 5.7 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | 18.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 74 | 80 |
| 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 |