Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Leonardo Sh09
In category, the Airbus Helicopters H145, Bell 429 GlobalRanger, and Leonardo AW109 Trekker are commonly positioned as light twin-engine helicopters, while the Leonardo AW169 sits a step up as a larger, higher-capacity intermediate/light-medium twin. The Leonardo SH09 is a modern single-engine light helicopter concept/program, aimed at lower operating costs and simpler missions than the twin-engine types. On range, the AW169 generally offers the strongest overall mission radius among these due to its larger fuel and performance margins, with the H145 and Bell 429 typically comparable in practical cross-country capability depending on cabin fit and reserves. The AW109 Trekker is also competitive on range for the light-twin class, often favored for efficient point-to-point transport. The SH09, as a single, is expected to be suitable for regional missions but is generally not aimed at matching the longer-range flexibility of larger twins. On passenger capacity, the AW169 usually leads, commonly configured around 8–10 passengers, while the H145, Bell 429, and AW109 Trekker are often arranged around 6–8. The SH09 is typically envisioned around 6–8 depending on configuration.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 6.29 | $ 7.40 | $ 11.84 | $4.48 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 8 | 12 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | 429 GlobalRanger | AW109 Trekker | AW169 | SH09 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 365 | 450 | 440 | 430 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.99 | $0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 2535 | — | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 931 | $ 1,125 | $ 1,658 | $627 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | Genesys Aerosystems | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 148 | 152 | 140 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $7,500,000 | $6,950,000 | $9,450,000 | $3,500,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | — | — | — | 7 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 8 | 12 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 6 | 10 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 | PW207C | PW210A | HTS 900 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 5500 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1100 | 735 | 1000 | 1020 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 152 | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 43 | 42.5 | 48.1 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 13.25 | 11.5 | 14.8 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36 | 35.5 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 130 | — | 222.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 74 | — | 49.5 | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | — | — | — |