Airbus Helicopters H145(d vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135
The Airbus Helicopters H145 (including the H145 D2 variant), H130, and H135 all sit in the light-helicopter class, but they target different missions. The H145 is generally considered a light twin-engine utility helicopter, commonly chosen for EMS, public services, and offshore support where redundancy, higher payload, and a roomier cabin matter. The H135 is also a light twin, typically smaller and lighter than the H145, widely used for training, HEMS, and police missions, balancing efficiency with twin-engine safety. The H130 is a light single-engine helicopter, often preferred for tourism, private/VIP transport, and utility work where operating cost and cabin comfort in a single-engine platform are priorities. In range, the H145 and H135 are broadly comparable and typically offer longer, more flexible mission radius than the H130, depending on configuration and reserves. For passenger capacity, the H130 usually seats the most in a high-density layout (commonly up to seven passengers plus a pilot), while the H145 and H135 often carry fewer passengers in practical configurations, though the H145 tends to offer more usable cabin volume than the H135.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | H135 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 342 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 3124 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 861 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 136 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 660 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 33.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 12.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 34 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 |