Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Bell 412epi
In category, the Airbus H145 and Bell 412EPi are medium twin‑engine utility helicopters widely used for EMS, law enforcement, offshore support, and general transport. The H145 is typically positioned as a lighter, high‑performance twin in the “light/medium” utility space, while the 412EPi is generally considered a more traditional medium helicopter with a larger airframe and strong lifting capability. The Airbus H160 sits a step up as a newer‑generation medium twin with a design emphasis on efficiency, comfort, and reduced noise, often marketed toward offshore, corporate/VIP, and high‑end public service missions. On range, all three are broadly comparable for typical utility missions, but the H160 is generally the longest‑legged of the group, with the H145 and 412EPi usually somewhat shorter depending on configuration, reserves, and payload. For passenger capacity, the H145 commonly carries around eight to nine passengers in typical layouts, the H160 is often configured around ten to twelve, and the Bell 412EPi is commonly arranged around ten to thirteen, varying with mission equipment and cabin fit.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | AIRBUS H160 | Bell 412EPi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | — | $ 12.09 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 14 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | H160 | 412EPi |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 460 | 361 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | — | $ 0.86 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 13 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 3992 | 4829 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 13 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | — | $ 1,487 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 155 | 123 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $14,000,000 | $ 12,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 14 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 13 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 13 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | HE Arrano | PT6T-9 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | — | 1370 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 113 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 330.5 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 39.4 | 52.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 13.1 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 45.2 | 46 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | — | 220 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | — | 28 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 33 |