Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Bell 412epi
The Airbus Helicopters H160 is a newer-generation, medium twin-engine helicopter aimed at high efficiency, lower noise, and advanced avionics for offshore transport, emergency medical services, and corporate/VIP missions. The Bell 412EPi is also a twin-engine medium helicopter, but it is a more traditional, utility-focused design widely used for public service, firefighting support, law enforcement, and general transport, valued for its robustness and multi-role adaptability. In range, the H160 is generally positioned with a longer typical mission radius and greater fuel efficiency than legacy medium twins, giving it an advantage on longer offshore or point-to-point legs, although exact range varies with payload, reserves, and cabin fit. The 412EPi offers solid, proven range for utility operations, but it is usually optimized for versatility and lifting capability rather than maximizing cruise efficiency. For passenger capacity, both can be configured broadly similarly, but in common transport layouts the H160 typically carries around a dozen passengers, while the 412EPi commonly seats a similar number and can be arranged for utility seating; actual capacity depends heavily on mission equipment and interior configuration.
| Spec | AIRBUS H160 | Bell 412EPi |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 14 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H160 | 412EPi |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 460 | 361 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 13 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3992 | 4829 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 13 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 123 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,000,000 | $ 12,500,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 12.09 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.86 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 1,487 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 14 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 13 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 13 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HE Arrano | PT6T-9 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 1370 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 113 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 330.5 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 39.4 | 52.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 45.2 | 46 |
| Width (ft) | — | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 220 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 28 |