Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker
The Airbus Helicopters H145, Bell 429 GlobalRanger, and Leonardo AW109 Trekker all sit in the light twin‑engine utility category, but they emphasize slightly different strengths. The H145 is often viewed as a light twin optimized for multi‑role utility work, with a roomy cabin and a typical seating configuration of around eight passengers (plus crew, depending on layout). In general terms, its range tends to be competitive for short‑to‑mid missions and is commonly cited in the mid‑300 nautical mile class under standard conditions, varying with fuel, payload, and reserves. The Bell 429 GlobalRanger is also a light twin, frequently positioned around seven passengers in typical corporate/EMS layouts. Its range is broadly similar in the mid‑300 nautical mile neighborhood, again highly configuration dependent, with a reputation for good speed and a comfortable cabin for its class. The AW109 Trekker, a light twin derived from the AW109 family, typically carries about six to seven passengers in executive seating. It is often described as offering comparatively strong range for the segment, commonly reaching into the upper‑300 to around 400 nautical mile class depending on configuration and mission profile.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 6.29 | $ 7.40 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | 429 GlobalRanger | AW109 Trekker |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 365 | 450 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 2535 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 931 | $ 1,125 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | Genesys Aerosystems |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 148 | 152 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $7,500,000 | $6,950,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1100 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 152 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 43 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 13.25 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36 | 35.5 |
| 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 | — |