Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Sh09
The Airbus Helicopters H135 is typically positioned as a light twin-engine multi-mission helicopter optimized for short-to-medium range operations with a strong emphasis on utility, EMS, and training. Its range is generally in the medium bracket for the light-twin class, and passenger capacity is commonly configured around five to seven occupants depending on interior and mission equipment. The Leonardo AW109 GrandNew is also a light twin, but it is often viewed as more oriented toward fast, premium transport and corporate/VIP use. Compared with the H135, it is usually marketed with a similar or somewhat longer practical range in typical passenger configurations, and it tends to carry a comparable number of passengers, often six to seven, again depending on layout and fuel/reserve assumptions. The Leonardo SH09 (a light single-engine design) sits in a different category from the two twins, generally targeting lower operating cost roles such as private, training, and utility missions. Its range is typically shorter than the light twins, and its passenger capacity is usually lower, commonly around four to five seats depending on final configuration.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 7.31 | $4.48 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | AW109 Grand New | SH09 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 464 | 430 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.91 | $0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,140 | $627 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 156 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $3,500,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | — | 7 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207C | HTS 900 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 5500 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 735 | 1020 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 152 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 42.5 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 11.5 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 35.5 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | — | — |