Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Subaru Bell 412epx
Airbus Helicopters’ H145 and the Subaru Bell 412EPX sit in different weight classes and are often chosen for different mission priorities. The H145 is a lighter, twin‑engine utility helicopter optimized for agility, lower operating footprint, and roles such as EMS, law enforcement, and short‑to‑medium utility work. The Bell 412EPX is a medium twin designed more around lifting capability, rugged utility, and sustained operations, often favored for offshore support, firefighting support, and demanding public‑service or industrial missions. In range, both are broadly comparable in typical configurations, with real‑world endurance strongly dependent on fuel fit, payload, reserves, and mission profile; the 412EPX commonly emphasizes carrying more useful load over long legs, while the H145 often delivers efficient point‑to‑point performance for its class. For passenger capacity, the H145 typically carries a pilot plus about 8 to 9 passengers in high‑density layouts (or fewer when configured for medical interiors). The 412EPX generally accommodates more, commonly around 13 to 14 passengers, reflecting its larger cabin and higher gross weight.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | Subaru Bell 412EPX |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 12.09 |
| Min Crew | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 15 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Subaru Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | 412EPX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | Certified |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 361 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.86 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 13 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 5385 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 13 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 1,487 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 123 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $ 12,875,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 15 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 13 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 13 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PT6T-9 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | Jet Fuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1370 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 113 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 330.5 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 52.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 46 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 28 |
| Width (ft) | — | 33 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 220 |