Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Aw189
The Airbus Helicopters H145 and Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger sit in the light twin-engine category and are broadly comparable in mission flexibility, typically covering short-to-medium ranges suited to EMS, law enforcement, and corporate shuttle work. In passenger terms, both are commonly configured for roughly six to eight passengers in addition to crew, depending on interior and mission equipment, with the H145 often emphasizing cabin volume and access while the 429 is frequently positioned as a smooth, high-utility light twin. The Leonardo AW109 GrandNew is also a light twin, but it is generally oriented more toward speed and VIP/corporate transport; it usually carries about six to seven passengers plus crew in typical executive layouts, with a similar short-to-medium range profile. The Leonardo AW189 is a step up into the medium twin class, designed for higher payload and longer missions such as offshore transport and SAR. It typically supports higher passenger loads, often around 12 to 16 passengers depending on configuration, and offers a longer practical range than the three light twins, especially when equipped for extended operations.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 6.05 | $ 7.31 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 8 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW109 Grand New | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 381 | 464 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 6 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 2528 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 931 | $ 1,140 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 154 | 156 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $7,700,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 8 | 21 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 6 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 | 19 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 | PW207C | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1100 | 735 | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 152 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 43 | 42.5 | 57.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 12.39 | 11.5 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36 | 35.5 | 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 | — | — |