Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Bell 525 Relentless
The Airbus H145 and Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger are typically positioned in the light twin category, aimed at short-to-medium missions such as EMS, utility, and corporate shuttle. Both usually seat around 7 to 10 passengers depending on interior layout, with the H145 often emphasizing cabin volume and mission flexibility, while the 429 is commonly configured for efficient corporate or public-service transport. Range for both is generally in the few-hundred–nautical-mile class, varying notably with fuel options and payload. The Airbus H160 sits between light and medium twins as a “medium-intermediate” aircraft, offering a step up in comfort and technology, with typical passenger layouts around 10 to 12 and a longer practical range than most light twins. The Airbus H175 is a medium twin designed for higher payload and offshore-style missions, commonly accommodating roughly 12 to 16 passengers and offering longer range than H145/H429-class aircraft. The Bell 525 Relentless is a super-medium twin, generally carrying about 16 passengers and optimized for longer-range, higher-speed missions than the H175/H160.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | AIRBUS H160 | AIRBUS H175 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | Bell 525 Relentless |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | — | $ 13.53 | $ 6.05 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 18 | 8 | 18 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | H160 | H175 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | 525 Relentless |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 460 | 573 | 381 | 580 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | — | $ 0.75 | $ 0.76 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 18 | 6 | 16 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 3992 | 6797 | 2528 | 6675 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 16 | 6 | 16 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | — | $ 2,016 | $ 931 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | Garmin G5000H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 155 | 149 | 154 | 160 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $14,000,000 | $17,900,000 | $7,700,000 | $15,000,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 18 | 8 | 18 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 18 | 6 | 16 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 16 | 6 | 16 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel |
| Model | Arriel 2E | HE Arrano | PT6A-67E | PW207D1 | CT7-2F1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 3500 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | — | 1775 | 1100 | 1800 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | — | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | — | 216.9 | 641 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 39.4 | 59.2 | 43 | 61.58 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 13.1 | 17.5 | 12.39 | 18.18 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 45.2 | 48.5 | 36 | 54.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | — | 423.8 | 130 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | — | 81.9 | 74 | 128 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | — | 26.37 | 25.77 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | — | 5 | 7.58 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | — | 4 | 4.5 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | — | 6.58 | 15.5 |