Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw139
In category terms, the Airbus H145 and Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger are light twins, the Airbus H160 sits in the medium twin class, and the Leonardo AW139 is generally regarded as a larger medium twin with higher cabin and payload capability. For range, the H145 and Bell 429WLG are broadly similar, typically in the mid-hundreds of nautical miles depending on fuel fit and mission profile, while the H160 generally offers longer legs than most light twins and can approach or exceed the upper end of the medium-class range in certain configurations. The AW139’s range is competitive in the medium segment and can be comparable to, or sometimes exceed, the H160 depending on tanks, reserves, and equipment. Passenger capacity follows size: the H145 commonly seats around 8 passengers in a typical corporate/offshore layout, the Bell 429WLG is usually around 6–7, the H160 is often configured around 8–12, and the AW139 commonly seats about 12–15 in high-density cabin arrangements, with fewer in VIP or missionized interiors. Actual figures vary by cabin fit, weights, and regulatory reserves.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | AIRBUS H160 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | — | $ 6.05 | $ 11.69 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 8 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | H160 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW139 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 460 | 381 | 573 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | — | $ 0.76 | $ 0.69 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 6 | 15 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 3992 | 2528 | 4701 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 6 | 15 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | — | $ 931 | $ 1,929 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 155 | 154 | 165 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $14,000,000 | $7,700,000 | $15,900,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 8 | 17 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 6 | 15 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 6 | 15 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | HE Arrano | PW207D1 | PT6C-67C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | — | 1100 | 1679 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 216.9 | 414 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 39.4 | 43 | 54.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 13.1 | 12.39 | 16.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 45.2 | 36 | 54.7 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | — | 130 | 282 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | — | 74 | 120 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 26.37 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 6.58 | — |