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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.

SpecAIRBUS H155AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW609 Tiltrotor
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 11.06$ 11.84
Min Crew21
Total Seats1412
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoLeonardo
Aircraft NameH155AW169AW609 Tiltrotor
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)423440
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.74$ 0.99
Max Cabin Seats1210
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)4012
Standard Cabin Seats1210
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,593$ 1,658
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)144140
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$14,800,000 $9,450,000 $20,000,000
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew21
Total Seats1412
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats1210
Standard Cabin Seats1210
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelArriel 2C2PW210A
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40004000
Horsepower9431000
No. of Engines22
Fuel Capacity (gal)332
Dimensions
Length (ft)46.948.1
Overall Height (ft)14.314.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)41.1
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)235.2222.5
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)88.349.5