Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker vs Leonardo Aw169
The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a light twin‑engine helicopter typically used for EMS, law enforcement, training, and short‑to‑medium corporate missions. It generally carries about 5 to 7 passengers (depending on interior and mission fit) and is best suited to shorter ranges, roughly in the 300–400 nautical mile class with reserves. The Leonardo AW109 Trekker sits in the light twin category as well, positioned as a faster, longer‑legged option for executive transport and utility work. It commonly accommodates around 6 to 7 passengers in a VIP/corporate layout, with range often comparable to or slightly better than the H135, generally around the mid‑300 to low‑400 nautical mile range depending on configuration. The Leonardo AW169 is a larger, intermediate/light‑medium twin with a bigger cabin and higher payload. It typically supports about 8 to 10 passengers and offers longer practical reach than the two lighter models, commonly around the 400–450+ nautical mile class depending on fuel, payload, and mission equipment.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 7.40 | $ 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 Trekker | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 450 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 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 | $ 1,125 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Genesys Aerosystems | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 152 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $6,950,000 | $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 |