Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Leonardo Aw139
Airbus Helicopters’ H145 is the light twin in this group, typically used for EMS, law enforcement, and short-to-medium utility missions. It carries fewer passengers than the others (commonly 8 to 10 in a high-density cabin, fewer with mission equipment) and generally has the shortest range of the three, making it best suited to regional point-to-point work rather than long offshore legs. The Airbus H175 and Leonardo AW139 both sit in the intermediate/super-medium class and are often selected for offshore transport, SAR, and VIP or corporate shuttle roles. In passenger capacity they are broadly comparable, usually arranged around 12 to 16 seats depending on interior and mission fit. For range, both are typically configured for longer legs than the H145; the AW139 is widely known for strong all-around performance in this segment, while the H175 is often chosen when operators prioritize a larger cabin feel and longer-range offshore capability. Exact figures vary notably with fuel tank options, payload, reserves, and cabin configuration.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | AIRBUS H175 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 13.53 | $ 11.69 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 18 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | H175 | AW139 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 573 | 573 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.75 | $ 0.69 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 18 | 15 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 6797 | 4701 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 16 | 15 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 2,016 | $ 1,929 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 149 | 165 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $17,900,000 | $15,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 18 | 17 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 18 | 15 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 16 | 15 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PT6A-67E | PT6C-67C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3500 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1775 | 1679 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 414 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 59.2 | 54.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 17.5 | 16.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 48.5 | 54.7 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 423.8 | 282 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 81.9 | 120 |