Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Leonardo Aw139
All three are twin‑engine, IFR‑capable helicopters commonly used for EMS, law enforcement, offshore and corporate transport, but they sit in different weight and mission classes. The Airbus H145 is a light twin in the roughly 3.7–3.8‑ton class, optimized for short to medium missions; typical usable range is in the mid‑300 nm class (depending on fuel and reserves), and passenger capacity is usually around 8–9 in a high‑density cabin (or fewer with medical fit). The Airbus H160 is a medium twin around 6 tons, positioned for longer legs and higher comfort; typical range is around 450–500+ nm, with passenger capacity commonly about 12 (often fewer with VIP or mission equipment). The Leonardo AW139 is a proven medium twin in the ~6.4–7‑ton class, widely used offshore; typical range is roughly 500+ nm, and it generally carries about 12–15 passengers depending on layout and mission kit. Actual performance and seats vary strongly with configuration, payload, and operating conditions.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | AIRBUS H160 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | — | $ 11.69 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | H160 | AW139 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 460 | 573 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | — | $ 0.69 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 3992 | 4701 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 15 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | — | $ 1,929 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 155 | 165 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $14,000,000 | $15,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 17 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 15 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | HE Arrano | PT6C-67C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | — | 1679 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 414 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 39.4 | 54.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 13.1 | 16.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 45.2 | 54.7 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | — | 282 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | — | 120 |