Airbus Helicopters H155 vs Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Bell 525 Relentless
All five are twin‑engine civil helicopters, but they span light to super‑medium classes. The Airbus H155 and Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger sit in the light/intermediate category; typical configurations carry about 7–8 passengers (plus crew). In range, the H155 is generally longer‑legged than the 429, with the H155 commonly cited around the ~450 nm class versus the 429 around the ~400 nm class, depending on fuel, payload, and reserves. The Airbus H160 is a newer medium twin with a usually quoted range around the ~450–480 nm class and seating commonly around 8–12 passengers depending on interior and mission. The Airbus H175 is a super‑medium aimed at offshore and transport roles, typically carrying roughly 12–16 passengers, with range often quoted around the ~500+ nm class in certain configurations. The Bell 525 Relentless is also in the super‑medium segment, typically accommodating roughly 12–16 passengers, with a generally similar long‑range emphasis, often cited around the ~500+ nm class, again highly configuration‑dependent.
| Spec | AIRBUS H155 | AIRBUS H160 | AIRBUS H175 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | Bell 525 Relentless |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 11.06 | — | $ 13.53 | $ 6.05 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 14 | 18 | 8 | 18 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H155 | H160 | H175 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | 525 Relentless |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 423 | 460 | 573 | 381 | 580 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | — | $ 0.75 | $ 0.76 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 12 | 18 | 6 | 16 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4012 | 3992 | 6797 | 2528 | 6675 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 12 | 16 | 6 | 16 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,593 | — | $ 2,016 | $ 931 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | Garmin G5000H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 144 | 155 | 149 | 154 | 160 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,800,000 | $14,000,000 | $17,900,000 | $7,700,000 | $15,000,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 14 | 18 | 8 | 18 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 12 | 18 | 6 | 16 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 12 | 16 | 6 | 16 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel |
| Model | Arriel 2C2 | HE Arrano | PT6A-67E | PW207D1 | CT7-2F1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 3500 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 943 | — | 1775 | 1100 | 1800 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 332 | — | — | 216.9 | 641 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | — | 76 | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 46.9 | 39.4 | 59.2 | 43 | 61.58 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.3 | 13.1 | 17.5 | 12.39 | 18.18 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 41.1 | 45.2 | 48.5 | 36 | 54.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 235.2 | — | 423.8 | 130 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 88.3 | — | 81.9 | 74 | 128 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | — | 26.37 | 25.77 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | — | 5 | 7.58 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | — | 4 | 4.5 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | — | 6.58 | 15.5 |