Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 412epi vs Bell 429 Globalranger
All three are twin‑engine, IFR‑capable light/medium utility helicopters, but they sit in slightly different size and mission bands. The Airbus Helicopters H145 is in the light‑twin category and is often configured for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport; it typically seats about 8 to 9 passengers (depending on layout) and offers a useful range on the order of roughly 330–360 nautical miles. The Bell 429 GlobalRanger is also a light‑twin, positioned as a fast, roomy cabin platform for EMS and corporate missions; typical passenger seating is about 6 to 7 (with higher totals possible by configuration), and range is generally in the same neighborhood as the H145, roughly 350–400 nautical miles. The Bell 412EPi is a larger medium twin‑engine utility helicopter aimed at higher payload and cabin volume for offshore, SAR, and transport roles; it commonly carries around 10 to 13 passengers and, depending on fit and reserves, typically reaches about 360–400 nautical miles. Overall, the 412EPi leads on passenger capacity, while H145 and 429 are closer peers in the lighter class with comparable range.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 412EPi | Bell 429 GlobalRanger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 12.09 | $ 6.29 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | 412EPi | 429 GlobalRanger |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 361 | 365 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.86 | $ 0.79 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 13 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 4829 | 2535 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 13 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 1,487 | $ 931 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 123 | 148 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $ 12,500,000 | $7,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 13 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 13 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PT6T-9 | PW207D1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1370 | 1100 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 113 | 76 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 330.5 | 216.9 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 52.1 | 43 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 11.5 | 13.25 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 46 | 36 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 220 | 130 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 28 | 74 |
| Width (ft) | — | 33 | 26.37 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 6.58 |