Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Aw169
The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a light twin-engine helicopter typically used for EMS, police, and short-haul corporate missions. It sits in the smaller category of the three, with a generally shorter range than the medium class options, and it commonly carries a pilot plus around five to six passengers depending on interior configuration and mission equipment. The Leonardo AW109 Grand New is also a light twin, positioned as a fast, sleek corporate and utility helicopter. Its range is generally comparable to, and often slightly better than, the H135 when configured for cruise efficiency, and it usually accommodates one or two pilots with about five to six passengers in a typical executive layout. The Leonardo AW169 is a larger, medium twin designed for higher payload and multi-role flexibility (EMS, offshore, utility, corporate). It typically offers the longest practical range of the three and the highest passenger capacity, commonly seating one or two pilots with roughly seven to ten passengers depending on configuration and required reserves.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 7.31 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | AW109 Grand New | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 464 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,140 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 156 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $9,450,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 10 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207C | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 735 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 152 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 42.5 | 48.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 11.5 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 35.5 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | — | 222.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 49.5 |