Airbus Helicopters H155 vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New
The Airbus Helicopters H155 and the Leonardo AW109 GrandNew sit in different light‑twin categories and are typically chosen for different mission profiles. The H155 is a medium twin‑engine helicopter, generally positioned for offshore support, EMS, and higher‑end corporate transport where cabin volume and comfort matter. The AW109 GrandNew is a light twin, optimized for speed, agility, and operating flexibility, commonly used for VIP shuttles, air ambulance, and utility roles where smaller footprint and lower operating costs can be priorities. In range terms, the H155 usually offers longer endurance thanks to its larger fuel capacity and airframe designed for extended missions, whereas the AW109 GrandNew’s range is competitive for the light‑twin segment but typically shorter than the H155 when both are configured for comparable reserves and payload. For passenger capacity, the H155 generally carries more people in a more spacious cabin, often seating around a dozen occupants depending on layout, while the AW109 GrandNew typically seats fewer, commonly around six to eight in executive configurations, with higher density possible in utility layouts.
| Spec | AIRBUS H155 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 11.06 | $ 7.31 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H155 | AW109 Grand New |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 423 | 464 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.91 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4012 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,593 | $ 1,140 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 144 | 156 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,800,000 | $ 7,800,000 |
| 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 | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 943 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 332 | 152 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 46.9 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.3 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 41.1 | 35.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 235.2 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 88.3 | — |