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Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii

The Airbus Helicopters H135 sits in the light twin-engine category and is typically chosen for roles like EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport. It offers the longest practical range of the three and commonly carries a pilot plus about five to six passengers depending on cabin layout and mission equipment. The Leonardo AW109 Grand New is also a light twin, generally faster and more executive-transport oriented, with a range that is competitive but usually a bit shorter than an H135 in typical configurations. Passenger capacity is similar, often a pilot plus five to six, with a strong emphasis on a premium cabin. The Robinson R44 Raven II is a light single-engine helicopter aimed at private, training, and utility use. It has the shortest range among these options and a smaller cabin, typically carrying a pilot plus three passengers. Overall, H135 and AW109 Grand New are closer peers as twin-engine light helicopters with comparable seating, while the R44 is a simpler, lower-capacity single-engine aircraft.

SpecAIRBUS H135AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand NewROBINSON R44 Raven II
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 7.31$ 2.36
Min Crew11
Total Seats984
Flight RulesIFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft NameH135AW109 Grand NewR44 Raven II
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342464300
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.91$ 0.59
Max Cabin Seats76
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)3124995
Standard Cabin Seats76
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 1,140$ 257
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixEFISGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136156109
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$ 7,800,000$ 490,000
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats984
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats76
Standard Cabin Seats76
Engine
FADECYesYesNo
ModelArrius 2B2+PW207CIO-540
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelAvGas
TBO (hrs)400040002200
Horsepower660735245
No. of Engines221
Fuel Capacity (gal)15229.5
TBO (yrs)12
Fuel DeliveryFuel Injected
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.542.538.3
Overall Height (ft)12.611.510.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)3435.533
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)2.5