Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 412epi
Both the Airbus Helicopters H145 and the Bell 412EPi are twin‑engine utility helicopters, but they sit in slightly different weight and mission brackets. The H145 is typically categorized as a light twin (in many markets a “light/medium” EMS and utility platform), optimized for efficiency, compact footprint, and high-tempo missions such as HEMS, law enforcement, and corporate shuttle. The Bell 412EPi is generally considered a medium twin, aimed more at heavier utility work, offshore support, and operations where cabin volume and payload margins are priorities. In range terms, the H145 commonly offers a moderate mission radius with typical operational ranges in the mid‑300 to roughly 400 nautical mile class depending on configuration and reserves, while the 412EPi often posts similar or somewhat higher practical range figures, especially when equipped for longer legs, again highly dependent on tanks, payload, and operating profile. For passenger capacity, the H145 is usually arranged for around 8 to 9 passengers (plus crew) in a high-density layout, whereas the 412EPi more commonly carries around 10 to 13 passengers (plus crew), reflecting its larger cabin and higher useful load.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 412EPi |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 12.09 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | 412EPi |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 361 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.86 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 13 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 4829 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 13 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 1,487 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 123 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $ 12,500,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 13 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 13 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PT6T-9 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1370 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 113 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 330.5 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 52.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 46 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 220 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 28 |
| Width (ft) | — | 33 |