Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw139
In overall category, the Airbus Helicopters H135 is a light, twin‑engine helicopter widely used for EMS, law enforcement, training, and short-range corporate missions. The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger also sits in the light twin segment but is typically positioned toward a roomier light utility/corporate role with strong hot-and-high and IFR capability. The Leonardo AW139 is a larger, medium twin‑engine helicopter, designed for more demanding offshore, SAR, and executive transport missions where speed, payload, and cabin volume matter most. On range, the H135 and Bell 429 are generally comparable in practical mission planning, both optimized for regional legs rather than long-haul, while the AW139 typically offers greater range and endurance options, making it better suited to longer overwater or remote-area operations. For passenger capacity, the H135 usually carries a small passenger load depending on interior fit, the Bell 429 generally accommodates a similar or slightly higher number in a comfortable cabin, and the AW139 typically carries noticeably more passengers thanks to its larger cabin and higher payload class.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 6.05 | $ 11.69 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW139 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 381 | 573 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.69 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 15 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 2528 | 4701 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 15 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 931 | $ 1,929 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 154 | 165 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $7,700,000 | $15,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 17 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 15 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 15 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207D1 | PT6C-67C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 1100 | 1679 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 414 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 43 | 54.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 12.39 | 16.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36 | 54.7 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 130 | 282 |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 74 | 120 |