Airbus Helicopters H155 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Aw189
All four are twin‑engine civil helicopters but span two size classes. The Airbus Helicopters H155 and Bell 429 GlobalRanger sit in the light‑intermediate segment, typically used for EMS, corporate, and utility work. Both offer broadly similar trip capability, with practical ranges commonly in the mid‑500 to mid‑700 km class depending on payload and reserves, and cabins usually configured for about 6 to 8 passengers (higher counts are possible in high‑density layouts). The Leonardo AW109 Grand New is a lighter, faster executive‑leaning twin in the light category. It generally trades cabin volume for speed and style, with typical range also in the several‑hundred‑kilometre class and a usual passenger load around 6 to 7 in VIP or mixed‑use layouts. The Leonardo AW189 is a larger super‑medium helicopter aimed at offshore and high‑capacity missions. It offers the greatest range and endurance of the group, commonly around 800 km or more in typical mission configurations, and the highest passenger capacity, often about 16 to 18 seats in transport layouts.
| Spec | AIRBUS H155 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 11.06 | $ 6.29 | $ 7.31 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 8 | 8 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H155 | 429 GlobalRanger | AW109 Grand New | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 423 | 365 | 464 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 | 6 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4012 | 2535 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 | 6 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,593 | $ 931 | $ 1,140 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 144 | 148 | 156 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,800,000 | $7,500,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 8 | 8 | 21 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 | 6 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 | 6 | 19 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2C2 | PW207D1 | PW207C | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 943 | 1100 | 735 | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 332 | 216.9 | 152 | — |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 46.9 | 43 | 42.5 | 57.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.3 | 13.25 | 11.5 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 41.1 | 36 | 35.5 | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 235.2 | 130 | — | 395 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 88.3 | 74 | — | 85 |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | — | — |