Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker vs Leonardo Aw169
The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a light twin-engine helicopter typically positioned in the smaller, short-to-medium range category, well suited to missions like training, HEMS, and utility transport. In most configurations it carries a pilot plus around five to six passengers, and its practical range is generally in the few-hundred–nautical-mile class depending on fuel, payload, and reserves. The Leonardo AW109 Trekker sits in the light twin category but is usually a step up in cabin size, speed, and legs compared with the H135. It commonly accommodates six to seven passengers, and its range is broadly comparable or somewhat greater than the H135, again varying with equipment and mission fit. The Leonardo AW169 moves into the intermediate twin category, offering a noticeably larger cabin and higher payload capability. It is often configured for seven to eight passengers (and can be arranged for more in high-density roles), and it typically provides longer range and better performance margins than both the H135 and AW109 Trekker, especially when carrying heavier 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 |