Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Leonardo Aw139
The Airbus Helicopters H160 sits in the intermediate twin category, positioned for efficient short-to-medium missions such as offshore support, EMS, and corporate transport. In typical configurations it carries around 8–12 passengers, and its practical mission range is generally in the mid-hundreds of nautical miles depending on payload and reserves. The Airbus Helicopters H175 is a larger “super-medium” twin aimed strongly at offshore and utility work. It is usually configured for roughly 12–16 passengers, and it commonly offers longer offshore legs than the H160, with mission ranges that can approach the upper end of the medium-helicopter bracket when equipped for extended operations. The Leonardo AW139 is a widely used medium twin in a similar overall class to the H160/H175 boundary, popular across EMS, law enforcement, offshore, and VIP roles. Typical seating is about 8–15 passengers depending on interior and mission kit. Its range is broadly comparable to the others in this segment, generally in the mid-hundreds of nautical miles, with variations driven by fuel fit, cabin layout, and payload.
| Spec | AIRBUS H160 | AIRBUS H175 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 18 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H160 | H175 | AW139 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 460 | 573 | 573 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 18 | 15 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3992 | 6797 | 4701 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 15 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 149 | 165 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,000,000 | $17,900,000 | $15,900,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 13.53 | $ 11.69 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.75 | $ 0.69 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 2,016 | $ 1,929 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 18 | 17 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 18 | 15 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 15 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HE Arrano | PT6A-67E | PT6C-67C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3500 | 5000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 1775 | 1679 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 414 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 39.4 | 59.2 | 54.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 17.5 | 16.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 45.2 | 48.5 | 54.7 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 423.8 | 282 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 81.9 | 120 |