Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Leonardo Aw169
The Airbus Helicopters H145 is a light twin in the 3.7–3.8‑ton class, typically used for EMS, law enforcement, and utility work. It offers roughly 330–360 nautical miles of range depending on fit and reserves, and commonly carries about 8–9 passengers (up to around 10 in high‑density layouts). The Leonardo AW169 sits in the light‑intermediate category (about 4.6–4.8 tons). It generally provides a longer leg than the H145—often around 420–440 nautical miles—and is usually configured for about 8–10 passengers, with higher-density options around 10–12. The Airbus H160 is a medium twin (about 6 tons) aimed at offshore and corporate missions. Its typical range is around 440–480 nautical miles, and it is commonly arranged for roughly 10–12 passengers (higher-density layouts can be more). The Bell 525 Relentless is a super‑medium class helicopter (around 9 tons), designed for longer-range offshore. It generally offers the greatest range here, roughly 500–560 nautical miles, and typically seats about 12–16 passengers depending on configuration.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | AIRBUS H160 | Bell 525 Relentless | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | — | — | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 18 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | H160 | 525 Relentless | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 460 | 580 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | — | — | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 16 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 3992 | 6675 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 16 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | — | — | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 155 | 160 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $14,000,000 | $15,000,000 | $9,450,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 18 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 16 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 16 | 10 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | HE Arrano | CT7-2F1 | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | — | 1800 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 641 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 39.4 | 61.58 | 48.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 13.1 | 18.18 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 45.2 | 54.5 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | — | — | 222.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | — | 128 | 49.5 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 25.77 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 7.58 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 4.5 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 15.5 | — |