Airbus Helicopters H155 vs Leonardo Aw139
The Airbus Helicopters H155 and Leonardo AW139 sit in broadly similar categories as twin‑engine, IFR‑capable, medium/upper‑medium helicopters used for offshore transport, EMS, and VIP missions, but they are positioned slightly differently. The H155 is often viewed as a medium twin with a strong emphasis on cabin comfort and corporate/VIP utility, whereas the AW139 is commonly characterized as an “intermediate/medium” twin optimized for higher gross weight operations and high mission versatility. In range terms, both can be configured for roughly the 500–650 nautical mile class depending on payload, fuel options, and reserves; the AW139 is frequently selected when operators want strong performance with useful range under demanding conditions, while the H155 is competitive on typical passenger transport legs with a focus on efficiency and cabin experience. For passenger capacity, typical layouts place the H155 around 10–12 passengers, while the AW139 commonly carries about 12–15 passengers in high‑density configurations, reflecting its generally larger payload and cabin flexibility.
| Spec | AIRBUS H155 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 11.06 | $ 11.69 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H155 | AW139 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 423 | 573 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.69 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 15 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4012 | 4701 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 15 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,593 | $ 1,929 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 144 | 165 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,800,000 | $15,900,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 17 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 15 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 15 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2C2 | PT6C-67C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 943 | 1679 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 332 | 414 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 46.9 | 54.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.3 | 16.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 41.1 | 54.7 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 235.2 | 282 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 88.3 | 120 |