Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Leonardo Aw139 vs Leonardo Aw169
The Airbus H145 and Leonardo AW169 sit in the light twin category, typically used for EMS, utility, and corporate missions. The H145 generally carries about 8 to 10 passengers (configuration dependent) and offers a practical range on the order of roughly 330–360 nautical miles. The AW169 is similar in role, usually accommodating around 8 to 10 passengers, with a broadly comparable typical range, often cited around the mid‑300 nautical mile class. The Airbus H160 and Leonardo AW139 are larger, medium twin helicopters aimed at higher payload and longer sectors, commonly used for offshore transport, SAR, and executive shuttle. The H160 typically seats about 12 passengers and is often quoted with a range around 440–480 nautical miles depending on fit and reserves. The AW139 also commonly seats about 12 to 15 passengers and is typically in the ~500 nautical mile range class, again depending on configuration, fuel, and mission reserves. Overall, H145/AW169 prioritize agility and lower operating footprint, while H160/AW139 emphasize capacity and longer legs.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | AIRBUS H160 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | — | $ 11.69 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 17 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | H160 | AW139 | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 460 | 573 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | — | $ 0.69 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 15 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 3992 | 4701 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 15 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | — | $ 1,929 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 155 | 165 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $14,000,000 | $15,900,000 | $9,450,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 17 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 15 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 15 | 10 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | HE Arrano | PT6C-67C | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 5000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | — | 1679 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 414 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 39.4 | 54.7 | 48.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 13.1 | 16.4 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 45.2 | 54.7 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | — | 282 | 222.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | — | 120 | 49.5 |