Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw139 vs Leonardo Aw169
The Airbus H145 and Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger sit in the light-twin utility class, commonly used for EMS, law enforcement, and short-to-medium corporate or shuttle work. Typical practical range for both is roughly in the 300–400 nm class depending on fit and reserves. Cabin capacity is generally up to about 8–10 passengers in transport layouts, with the H145 often favored for flexible medical interiors and the 429 for straightforward light utility missions. The Leonardo AW169 and Airbus H160 move into the intermediate/light‑medium segment with larger cabins and higher cruise efficiency; expect ranges broadly around 400–500+ nm and typical seating around 8–12, depending on configuration. The H160 emphasizes low noise and modern aerodynamics for premium passenger transport and offshore support, while the AW169 is a versatile multi-mission platform with strong payload-radius balance. The Airbus H175 and Leonardo AW139 are medium twins aimed at offshore oil and gas and higher-density passenger shuttle roles. They typically offer longer legs (often ~500+ nm with appropriate tanks) and carry roughly 12–15+ passengers, with the AW139 widely used as a high-volume workhorse and the H175 positioned for modern offshore capability and comfort.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | AIRBUS H160 | AIRBUS H175 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | — | $ 13.53 | $ 6.05 | $ 11.69 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 18 | 8 | 17 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | H160 | H175 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW139 | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 460 | 573 | 381 | 573 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | — | $ 0.75 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.69 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 18 | 6 | 15 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 3992 | 6797 | 2528 | 4701 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 16 | 6 | 15 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | — | $ 2,016 | $ 931 | $ 1,929 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 155 | 149 | 154 | 165 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $14,000,000 | $17,900,000 | $7,700,000 | $15,900,000 | $9,450,000 |
| Cabin | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 18 | 8 | 17 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 18 | 6 | 15 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 16 | 6 | 15 | 10 |
| Engine | ||||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | HE Arrano | PT6A-67E | PW207D1 | PT6C-67C | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 3500 | 4000 | 5000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | — | 1775 | 1100 | 1679 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | — | 76 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | — | 216.9 | 414 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 39.4 | 59.2 | 43 | 54.7 | 48.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 13.1 | 17.5 | 12.39 | 16.4 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 45.2 | 48.5 | 36 | 54.7 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | — | 423.8 | 130 | 282 | 222.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | — | 81.9 | 74 | 120 | 49.5 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | — | 26.37 | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | — | 5 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | — | 4 | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | — | 6.58 | — | — |