Airbus Helicopters H155 vs Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger
In category terms, the Airbus H155 and Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger are typically positioned as medium twin, while the Airbus H160 is a newer-generation medium twin emphasizing efficiency and low noise, and the Airbus H175 steps up into the larger “super-medium” class aimed at heavier missions such as offshore transport. On range, the H175 generally offers the longest reach of the four in typical configurations, reflecting its larger fuel and payload capability. The H160 is usually next, designed for strong mission radius with modern aerodynamics and engines. The H155 and Bell 429WLG tend to sit below those two for overall range, with the 429 optimized for short-to-medium missions and high utilization rather than maximum distance. For passenger capacity, the H175 usually carries the most passengers in common layouts, followed by the H160. The H155 and Bell 429WLG generally accommodate fewer, with the 429 commonly configured for smaller groups and the H155 often used in executive and utility roles where cabin comfort and flexibility matter as much as seat count.
| Spec | AIRBUS H155 | AIRBUS H160 | AIRBUS H175 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 11.06 | — | $ 13.53 | $ 6.05 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 14 | 18 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H155 | H160 | H175 | 429WLG GlobalRanger |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 423 | 460 | 573 | 381 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | — | $ 0.75 | $ 0.76 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 12 | 18 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4012 | 3992 | 6797 | 2528 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 12 | 16 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,593 | — | $ 2,016 | $ 931 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 144 | 155 | 149 | 154 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,800,000 | $14,000,000 | $17,900,000 | $7,700,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 14 | 18 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 12 | 18 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 12 | 16 | 6 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2C2 | HE Arrano | PT6A-67E | PW207D1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 3500 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 943 | — | 1775 | 1100 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 332 | — | — | 216.9 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | — | 76 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 46.9 | 39.4 | 59.2 | 43 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.3 | 13.1 | 17.5 | 12.39 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 41.1 | 45.2 | 48.5 | 36 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 235.2 | — | 423.8 | 130 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 88.3 | — | 81.9 | 74 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | — | 26.37 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | — | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | — | 6.58 |