Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109grand
Airbus Helicopters’ H145 and the Bell 429 GlobalRanger are both twin‑engine, light/medium class helicopters commonly used for EMS, law enforcement, corporate transport, and utility work. In broad category terms, the H145 is often positioned slightly higher in the light‑twin segment with a strong emphasis on multi‑role cabin volume and mission flexibility, while the Bell 429 is a light twin known for its smooth handling and a cabin sized well for passenger transport and medical interiors. For range, both offer comparable real‑world capabilities for typical regional missions; depending on configuration, fuel, and reserves, each generally supports several hundred nautical miles of range, with neither holding an overwhelming advantage in most operator profiles. For passenger capacity, both can be configured for around six to seven passengers in typical corporate layouts, with maximum seating arrangements reaching higher depending on interior fit. The H145 is often noted for accommodating demanding EMS layouts comfortably, while the 429 is frequently selected for efficient passenger transport with a practical cabin and baggage balance.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 6.29 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | 429 GlobalRanger |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 365 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.79 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 2535 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 931 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 148 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $7,500,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1100 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 43 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 13.25 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36 |
| 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 |