Airbus Helicopters H135i vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429 Globalranger
Both the Airbus Helicopters H145 and the Bell 429 GlobalRanger sit in the light twin-engine utility category, commonly used for EMS, law enforcement, offshore support, and corporate transport. The H145 is often positioned toward the upper end of this class because of its cabin volume and strong multi-mission fit, while the Bell 429 is typically described as a fast, smooth, and efficient light twin with a refined passenger-carrying layout. On range, the two are broadly comparable in typical mission planning, with maximum-range figures generally landing in the mid-hundreds of nautical miles depending on configuration, fuel reserves, and payload. In practice, either can cover regional point-to-point legs, but exact usable range is highly mission-dependent. For passenger capacity, both are commonly configured to carry one or two pilots plus up to about six to seven passengers in corporate seating, with higher seat counts possible in shuttle-style layouts. The H145 is frequently favored when operators prioritize a boxier, more flexible cabin for mixed passenger and equipment loads, whereas the Bell 429 is often chosen for a polished passenger experience and straightforward cabin access.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 6.29 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | 429 GlobalRanger |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 365 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.79 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 2535 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 931 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 148 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $7,500,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1100 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 43 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 13.25 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 130 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 74 |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 |