Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker
The Airbus Helicopters H145, Bell 429 GlobalRanger, and Leonardo AW109 Trekker are all twin‑engine light helicopters commonly used for EMS, law enforcement, corporate transport, and utility work, but they differ in how they balance cabin volume, speed, and mission flexibility. In category terms, the H145 and Bell 429 sit in the light‑twin/“large light twin” class optimized for high‑use operational roles, while the AW109 Trekker is also a light twin but positioned more toward faster, higher‑performance transport with skid‑gear simplicity. For range, all three are broadly comparable for typical missions, with the AW109 Trekker often marketed with a slight edge in cruise efficiency and speed translating into strong practical reach, while the H145 and Bell 429 emphasize consistent multi‑role range with useful load. For passenger capacity, each can be configured around one to two pilots plus roughly six to seven passengers depending on interior and mission fit, with the H145 and Bell 429 generally noted for more spacious cabins that can feel roomier in high‑density or medical layouts, whereas the AW109 Trekker tends to prioritize performance and premium cabin arrangements.
| 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 | — |