Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw189
The Airbus Helicopters H145 and Bell 429 GlobalRanger are both light twin‑engine helicopters aimed at EMS, law enforcement, utility work, and corporate transport, while the Leonardo AW189 is a larger super‑medium twin designed for higher‑payload missions such as offshore energy support, SAR, and longer‑range passenger transport. In range, the H145 and Bell 429 are broadly comparable, typically suited to regional missions with practical ranges on the order of a few hundred nautical miles depending on fuel fit, payload, and reserves, whereas the AW189 generally offers a longer operational reach and better endurance, particularly when configured for extended offshore sectors. Passenger capacity also separates them: the H145 and Bell 429 commonly carry around six to eight passengers in typical corporate/utility layouts (with flexibility for medical or mission equipment), while the AW189 is optimized for substantially more, often in the mid‑teens, making it better for moving larger teams or more equipment per trip. Overall, H145 and 429 prioritize agility, lower operating footprint, and cost efficiency; the AW189 prioritizes lift, cabin volume, and offshore‑class capability.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 6.29 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | 429 GlobalRanger | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 365 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 2535 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 931 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 148 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $7,500,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 21 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 19 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1100 | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 43 | 57.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 13.25 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36 | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 130 | 395 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 74 | 85 |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | — |