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 helicopter category, commonly used for EMS, law enforcement, utility, and corporate transport, but they emphasize different strengths. The H145 is typically positioned toward the upper end of the light‑twin class with a notably spacious cabin for its segment, and in many common layouts it carries about eight to nine passengers (configuration dependent) plus crew. The Bell 429 is also a light twin, generally optimized around a comfortable passenger cabin and strong hot‑and‑high capability; it is often configured for roughly six to seven passengers plus crew in executive-style layouts, with higher counts possible depending on interior. The AW109 Trekker is a light twin derived from the AW109 family and is frequently pitched as a fast, versatile platform; it commonly accommodates about six to seven passengers plus crew depending on mission fit. For range, all three are broadly comparable within the light‑twin market, with typical mission ranges in the several-hundred‑nautical‑mile class depending heavily on fuel configuration, payload, and reserves.
| 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 | — |