Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Aw139 vs Leonardo Aw169
The Airbus Helicopters H145 and Bell 429 GlobalRanger sit in the light twin category, typically used for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate missions. Both offer short-to-midsize ranges suited to regional operations, with the H145 generally configured for about 8 to 10 passengers (plus crew) and the Bell 429 commonly around 6 to 7 in executive layouts (more in utility seating). The Leonardo AW109 Grand New is also a light twin but leans more toward fast executive transport; it usually carries about 6 to 7 passengers and has a comparable regional range profile. Moving up, the Leonardo AW169 is a medium-light twin designed to bridge light and medium roles, offering a longer practical reach than most light twins and typically accommodating roughly 8 to 10 passengers depending on layout. The Leonardo AW139 is a true medium twin and the largest here, aimed at offshore, SAR, and high-capacity utility; it generally provides the greatest range and payload flexibility, with typical passenger capacity around 12 to 15 depending on mission configuration.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 6.29 | $ 7.31 | $ 11.69 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 8 | 17 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | 429 GlobalRanger | AW109 Grand New | AW139 | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 365 | 464 | 573 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.69 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 6 | 15 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 2535 | — | 4701 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 | 15 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 931 | $ 1,140 | $ 1,929 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 148 | 156 | 165 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $7,500,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $15,900,000 | $9,450,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 8 | 17 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 6 | 15 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 | 15 | 10 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 | PW207C | PT6C-67C | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 5000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1100 | 735 | 1679 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 152 | 414 | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 43 | 42.5 | 54.7 | 48.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 13.25 | 11.5 | 16.4 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36 | 35.5 | 54.7 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 130 | — | 282 | 222.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 74 | — | 120 | 49.5 |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | — | — | — |