Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Airbus Helicopters H215 vs Leonardo Aw189
The Airbus H160 is a modern medium-class helicopter aimed at efficient offshore, EMS, and corporate roles. It typically carries about 12 passengers and offers moderate range suited to regional missions. The Leonardo AW189 and Airbus H175 sit a step up in the super-medium category, both commonly configured around 16–19 passengers. In general terms, they provide longer range than the H160 and are optimized for offshore transport with strong all-weather capability; the AW189 is often chosen for flexible cabin layouts, while the H175 is widely positioned as an offshore workhorse with strong payload–range balance. The Airbus H215 belongs to the heavy/large twin class (derived from the Super Puma family) and is usually arranged for higher passenger counts, often around 19–24 depending on configuration. It tends to trade some speed and efficiency for greater lift and cabin volume, and its range is competitive for longer-haul utility and offshore missions when configured appropriately. Overall: H160 is the smaller, lower-capacity option; H175 and AW189 are the mid-to-high capacity, longer-range super-medium choices; H215 prioritizes cabin volume and lift with higher typical seating.
| Spec | AIRBUS H160 | AIRBUS H175 | AIRBUS H215 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 18 | 21 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H160 | H175 | H215 | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 460 | 573 | 468 | 651 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 18 | 22 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3992 | 6797 | 8903 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 19 | 19 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 149 | 142 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,000,000 | $17,900,000 | $27,500,000 | $2,413,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 13.53 | $ 19.07 | $ 15.57 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.75 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.74 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 2,016 | $ 2,708 | $ 2,413 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 18 | 21 | 21 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 18 | 22 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 19 | 19 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HE Arrano | PT6A-67E | Makila 1A1 | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3500 | 3000 | 4000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 1775 | 1820 | 1983 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 540 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 39.4 | 59.2 | 61.4 | 57.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 17.5 | 16.2 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 45.2 | 48.5 | 51.2 | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 423.8 | 473.9 | 395 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 81.9 | — | 85 |