Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw169
All four aircraft are twin‑engine, IFR‑capable light/medium helicopters commonly used for EMS, law enforcement, offshore support, and corporate transport, but they sit in slightly different weight and capability bands. The Airbus Helicopters H145 is a light twin that prioritizes cabin volume and mission flexibility; typical usable range is roughly in the 330–360 nm class (depending on tanks and reserves), and it commonly carries about 8–9 passengers in a high‑density layout (or fewer with mission equipment). The Bell 429 GlobalRanger is also a light twin with a similar overall mission set, offering broadly comparable range (often around 360 nm typical) and usually 7–8 passengers depending on configuration. The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger is essentially a 429 variant emphasizing a wheeled landing gear configuration; passenger capacity and range are generally similar to the standard 429, with differences mainly in landing gear/ground handling rather than core performance. The Leonardo AW169 moves up into the light‑intermediate class, typically offering somewhat longer range (often around 400+ nm typical) and higher seating potential, commonly about 8–10 passengers depending on interior and mission kit.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 6.29 | $ 6.05 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 8 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | 429 GlobalRanger | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 365 | 381 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 6 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 2535 | 2528 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 931 | $ 931 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 148 | 154 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $7,500,000 | $7,700,000 | $9,450,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 8 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 6 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 | 10 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 | PW207D1 | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1100 | 1100 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 216.9 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 43 | 43 | 48.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 13.25 | 12.39 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36 | 36 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 130 | 130 | 222.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 74 | 74 | 49.5 |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | 26.37 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | 6.58 | — |