Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker
Airbus Helicopters’ H145 is generally positioned as a light twin in the upper end of the segment, often chosen for missions that value cabin volume and flexibility (EMS, law enforcement, utility, and corporate). In typical configurations it seats around 8 to 10 passengers (depending on layout and regulatory limits) and offers a practical range commonly in the mid-hundreds of nautical miles, with many operators planning roughly 300–350 nm for real-world missions. Bell’s 429 GlobalRanger is also a light twin, marketed heavily for IFR-capable public service and corporate transport. Passenger seating is typically around 7 to 8, and operational range is broadly comparable to the H145, often planned in the ~300 nm class depending on payload and reserves. Leonardo’s AW109 Trekker sits in the light twin category with a stronger emphasis on speed and sleek executive utility. It typically accommodates about 6 to 7 passengers in a passenger-oriented cabin, and its range is similarly in the several-hundred-nautical-mile bracket, often around 300–400 nm depending on equipment, fuel, 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 | — |