Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Leonardo Aw169
Both the Airbus Helicopters H145 and the Leonardo AW169 sit in the light twin‑engine category, but they target slightly different weight and mission niches. The H145 is typically positioned as a lighter, highly versatile light twin used widely for HEMS, law enforcement, and utility work, with an emphasis on a roomy cabin relative to its class and strong hot‑and‑high performance. The AW169 is generally regarded as a heavier, “super‑light” or entry‑level intermediate twin, designed to bridge the gap between traditional light twins and larger medium aircraft, often chosen for corporate/VIP, offshore support, and multi‑role utility missions. In range, both offer broadly comparable real‑world mission radius depending on fuel fit, payload, and reserves, but the AW169 commonly advertises higher maximum range figures, reflecting its larger airframe and fuel capacity options. For passenger capacity, the H145 is commonly configured to carry around eight to nine passengers in typical transport layouts (or fewer when equipped for medical/mission gear), while the AW169 is often configured for about eight to ten passengers, with flexibility depending on interior and mission equipment.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $9,450,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 10 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 48.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 222.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 49.5 |