Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw139
The Airbus Helicopters H145 is typically positioned as a light twin, well suited to short-to-medium missions such as EMS, law enforcement, and utility work. Its range is generally in the mid-hundreds of nautical miles depending on fuel fit and payload, and it commonly carries a pilot plus around six to eight passengers in a standard transport layout, with flexibility for medical or mission equipment. The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger is also a light twin and competes closely with the H145, often emphasizing cabin volume and smooth ride. Its practical range is broadly comparable, typically in the same mid-hundreds of nautical miles class, and passenger seating is similar, usually accommodating a pilot and roughly six to seven passengers depending on configuration. The Leonardo AW139 steps up into the medium twin category, aimed at longer legs and heavier payloads for offshore, SAR, and executive transport. It generally offers a longer range than the light twins and a higher passenger capacity, commonly configured for a pilot plus around 10 to 15 passengers, again varying with interiors, fuel options, and mission equipment.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 6.05 | $ 11.69 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW139 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 381 | 573 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.69 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 15 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 2528 | 4701 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 15 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 931 | $ 1,929 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 154 | 165 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $7,700,000 | $15,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 17 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 15 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 15 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 | PT6C-67C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1100 | 1679 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 414 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 43 | 54.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 12.39 | 16.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36 | 54.7 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 130 | 282 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 74 | 120 |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | — |