Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker"
In category, the Airbus H145 and Bell 429 GlobalRanger are both light twin‑engine helicopters commonly positioned for EMS, law enforcement, and utility work, with the H145 often viewed as a slightly more “light‑intermediate” option due to its cabin volume and mission flexibility. The Leonardo AW109 Trekker is also a light twin, but it is typically framed more toward fast, premium multi‑role and corporate/utility operations, blending the AW109 family’s performance with skid‑gear practicality. On range, all three sit in a similar general bracket for light twins, with typical mission ranges roughly in the mid‑hundreds of nautical miles depending on payload, reserves, and fuel configuration. The AW109 Trekker is often marketed with strong cruise efficiency and can be competitive on range, while the H145 and Bell 429 are broadly comparable and frequently optimized around mission equipment and hover/utility capability rather than maximum ferry distance. For passenger capacity, the H145 generally offers the most flexible cabin and can be configured for around eight passengers in high‑density layouts (or fewer with mission equipment). The Bell 429 commonly seats about six to seven passengers in typical corporate/utility layouts. The AW109 Trekker is usually configured around six to seven passengers, emphasizing comfort and speed.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 6.29 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | 429 GlobalRanger |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 365 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.79 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 2535 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 931 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 148 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $7,500,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1100 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 43 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 13.25 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 130 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 74 |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 |