Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H155 vs Bell 429 Globalranger
The Airbus Helicopters H145 is typically positioned as a light twin, optimized for versatility in roles like EMS, law enforcement, and utility work. Its practical range is generally in the mid-hundreds of nautical miles (often around 300 nm class, mission- and fuel-fit dependent), and it commonly carries about eight to nine passengers in a high-density configuration, or fewer when equipped for medical or mission systems. The Airbus Helicopters H155 is a larger, medium twin aimed more at executive and offshore-style missions. Compared with the H145 and Bell 429, it usually offers the longest range (often in the ~450 nm class, depending on configuration) and a larger cabin. Passenger seating is commonly around twelve to thirteen in typical layouts, with flexibility for VIP interiors. The Bell 429 GlobalRanger sits in the light twin category alongside the H145, with broadly comparable range (often roughly 350 nm class depending on options) and a typical passenger capacity around seven to eight, trading some seating density for a spacious cabin feel in many configurations.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | AIRBUS H155 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 11.06 | $ 6.29 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | H155 | 429 GlobalRanger |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 423 | 365 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.79 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 4012 | 2535 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 1,593 | $ 931 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 144 | 148 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $14,800,000 | $7,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | Arriel 2C2 | PW207D1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 943 | 1100 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 332 | 216.9 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 76 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 46.9 | 43 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 14.3 | 13.25 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 41.1 | 36 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 235.2 | 130 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 88.3 | 74 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 26.37 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 6.58 |