Airbus Helicopters H155 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger
The Airbus Helicopters H155 and Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger are both twin‑engine light helicopters, but they sit in slightly different weight and mission niches. The H155 is typically positioned as an “intermediate/light” twin optimized for executive transport and offshore-capable operations, while the Bell 429WLG is a light twin commonly selected for corporate, utility, and public‑service roles, with the WLG configuration emphasizing operational flexibility. In range, the H155 generally offers a longer maximum range than the 429WLG when equipped for extended missions, reflecting its larger class and fuel/weight capacity, although real‑world range for either aircraft depends heavily on payload, reserves, and equipment fit. For passenger capacity, the H155 usually accommodates more people in a high‑density layout (often up to about 12 including seating configurations), whereas the Bell 429WLG is commonly configured for fewer occupants (often around 6–7 passengers plus crew), prioritizing cabin access and mission equipment integration.
| Spec | AIRBUS H155 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 11.06 | $ 6.05 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H155 | 429WLG GlobalRanger |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 423 | 381 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.76 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4012 | 2528 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,593 | $ 931 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 144 | 154 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,800,000 | $7,700,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2C2 | PW207D1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 943 | 1100 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 332 | 216.9 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 46.9 | 43 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.3 | 12.39 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 41.1 | 36 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 235.2 | 130 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 88.3 | 74 |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 |