Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Aw139 vs Leonardo Aw169
The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a light twin in the entry/utility category, typically used for EMS, training, and short-haul corporate work. It generally offers the shortest range in this set and the smallest cabin, usually carrying about 5–7 passengers (configurations vary widely by mission equipment). The Leonardo AW109 Grand New is also a light twin but positioned more toward fast executive transport; it typically carries around 6–7 passengers and usually reaches farther than an H135 on similar reserves, though still remains in the light class. The Leonardo AW169 sits in the intermediate/light‑medium category with a larger cabin and higher payload than the H135 and AW109, commonly accommodating about 8–10 passengers and providing a mid-to-long regional range depending on tanks and fit. The Leonardo AW139 is a medium twin with the largest cabin and payload of the group, often configured for roughly 10–15 passengers, and it generally provides the greatest practical range and mission flexibility for offshore, SAR, and multi-role operations.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 7.31 | $ 11.69 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 17 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | AW109 Grand New | AW139 | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 464 | 573 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.69 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 15 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | — | 4701 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 15 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,140 | $ 1,929 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 156 | 165 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $15,900,000 | $9,450,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 17 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 15 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 15 | 10 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207C | PT6C-67C | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 5000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 735 | 1679 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 152 | 414 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 42.5 | 54.7 | 48.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 11.5 | 16.4 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 35.5 | 54.7 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | — | 282 | 222.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 120 | 49.5 |