Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx
The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a light twin‑engine helicopter designed for vertical takeoff and landing missions such as EMS, law enforcement, training, and short-range corporate shuttles. In contrast, the Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a single‑engine turboprop fixed‑wing aircraft aimed at longer regional travel, business aviation, and utility transport from short or unimproved runways. In range, the H135 is optimized for relatively short legs, typically a few hundred nautical miles depending on configuration, reserves, and payload, making it well suited to metropolitan and point‑to‑point access where helipads or confined landing areas matter. The PC‑12 NGX is built for much longer trips, commonly around 1,500+ nautical miles with typical reserves, enabling city‑to‑city travel over large regions without stops. Passenger capacity also differs: an H135 often carries a small group, commonly around five to seven passengers depending on interior and mission equipment. The PC‑12 NGX generally seats more, typically six to nine passengers in executive layouts, with flexibility for cargo or special missions.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 2.78 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | Optional |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 5.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | No |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 13100 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | PT6E-67XP |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 1200 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 35 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | 402 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 47.25 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 14 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 53.33 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.9 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 16.9 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 4.25 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 40 |