Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Bell 412epi
In category, the Airbus Helicopters H160 is a modern, medium twin designed for efficient offshore, EMS, and corporate missions with a strong emphasis on low noise and advanced avionics. The Airbus Helicopters H175 sits a class higher as a super-medium twin, typically chosen when operators want more lifting capability and more cabin volume for offshore transport and SAR roles. The Bell 412EPi is a proven medium twin in widespread utility service, often favored for multi-mission flexibility, public safety, and transport in rugged operating environments. On range, the H175 generally offers the longest legs among the three in typical passenger-transport configurations, reflecting its larger fuel and payload capability. The H160 is usually close behind, delivering long-range performance for its class with modern efficiency. The 412EPi typically has a shorter range than either Airbus model, though it remains competitive for regional missions and can be optimized with mission equipment choices. On passenger capacity, the H175 commonly carries the most passengers, the H160 is generally mid-pack, and the 412EPi is typically similar to or slightly below the H160 depending on configuration.
| Spec | AIRBUS H160 | AIRBUS H175 | Bell 412EPi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 18 | 14 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H160 | H175 | 412EPi |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 460 | 573 | 361 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 18 | 13 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3992 | 6797 | 4829 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 13 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 149 | 123 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,000,000 | $17,900,000 | $ 12,500,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 13.53 | $ 12.09 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.75 | $ 0.86 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 2,016 | $ 1,487 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 18 | 14 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 18 | 13 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 13 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HE Arrano | PT6A-67E | PT6T-9 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3500 | 4000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 1775 | 1370 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 113 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 330.5 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 39.4 | 59.2 | 52.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 17.5 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 45.2 | 48.5 | 46 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 423.8 | 220 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 81.9 | 28 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 33 |