Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135
The Airbus H130 is a single‑engine light helicopter optimized for cost‑efficient sightseeing and utility work; it typically carries a pilot plus up to about six passengers depending on configuration, with a practical range on the order of roughly 300–350 nautical miles. The Airbus H135 is a light twin‑engine helicopter positioned for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport; it generally accommodates a pilot plus about five to six passengers (or medical crew and patient layouts), and offers a similar or slightly higher typical range, roughly around 300–350 nautical miles, with the added redundancy of two engines. The Airbus H145 is a larger light‑medium twin, aimed at higher‑payload missions such as EMS, offshore support, and multi‑role utility; it commonly seats a pilot plus about seven to eight passengers in transport layouts (or more specialized cabin arrangements), and its typical range is broadly comparable or a bit higher depending on tanks and mission fit, often around 330–370 nautical miles. Overall, H130 prioritizes simplicity and cabin volume in a single‑engine category, H135 emphasizes twin‑engine capability in a compact airframe, and H145 provides the most capacity and mission flexibility.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | H135 | H145 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 342 | 352 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 3124 | 4200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 861 | $ 1,210 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 136 | 130 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 9 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 8 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | Green Interior |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 660 | 894 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 33.5 | 44.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 12.6 | 13 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 34 | 36.1 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 | 166 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 46.8 |