Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw119kx
The Airbus Helicopters H145 and Bell 429 GlobalRanger sit in the light twin‑engine category, while the Leonardo AW119Kx is a light single‑engine helicopter. In practical terms, the twins are generally favored for missions and operators that prioritize twin‑engine redundancy (such as many EMS, offshore support, and IFR‑oriented roles), whereas the AW119Kx is often chosen for simpler, lower‑cost operations like training, utility work, and executive transport where single‑engine economics matter. On range, all three occupy a broadly similar “light” bracket, but typical mission ranges often place the H145 and Bell 429 somewhat ahead depending on tank options and payload, while the AW119Kx can be competitive and may trade endurance against payload since it lacks the second engine’s performance margin. For passenger capacity, the H145 and Bell 429 usually support higher practical cabin loads, commonly configured for around six to seven passengers plus crew depending on interior and mission equipment. The AW119Kx typically carries fewer, often around five to six passengers plus crew, again depending on configuration. Actual usable range and seats vary significantly with avionics, fuel options, and payload.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119Kx |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 6.29 | $ 6.76 |
| 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 | AW119Kx |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 365 | 515 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.84 |
| 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 | $ 885 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | Garmin G1000H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 148 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $7,500,000 | $3,850,000 |
| 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 | PT6B-37A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4500 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1100 | 917 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 160 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 43 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 13.25 | 11.9 |
| 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 | — |