Airbus Helicopters H155 vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Leonardo Aw609 Tiltrotor
The Airbus Helicopters H155 and Leonardo AW169 are conventional twin‑engine medium helicopters, while the Leonardo AW609 is a twin‑engine tiltrotor that trades helicopter-like vertical takeoff for airplane-like cruise efficiency. In category terms, the H155 sits in the larger, heavier class with a roomier cabin, the AW169 is a lighter “intermediate” twin aimed at versatility and lower operating footprint, and the AW609 is a distinct tiltrotor category designed for higher-speed point‑to‑point missions. On range, the AW609 is generally the longest‑legged of the three, reflecting its tiltrotor cruise profile; the H155 typically offers solid medium‑range capability, and the AW169 is usually somewhat shorter‑ranged in standard configurations, though mission equipment and auxiliary tanks can change rankings in specific fit-outs. For passenger capacity, the H155 commonly carries the most in typical corporate/utility layouts, often around a dozen seats depending on configuration. The AW169 is usually configured for roughly eight to ten passengers. The AW609 is typically positioned for about six to nine passengers, prioritizing speed and range over maximum cabin density.
| Spec | AIRBUS H155 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW609 Tiltrotor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 11.06 | $ 11.84 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 14 | 12 | — |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H155 | AW169 | AW609 Tiltrotor |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 423 | 440 | — |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.99 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4012 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,593 | $ 1,658 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | — |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 144 | 140 | — |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,800,000 | $9,450,000 | $20,000,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 14 | 12 | — |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | — |
| Model | Arriel 2C2 | PW210A | — |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | — |
| Horsepower | 943 | 1000 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 332 | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 46.9 | 48.1 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.3 | 14.8 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 41.1 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 235.2 | 222.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 88.3 | 49.5 | — |