Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Bell 412epi vs Leonardo Aw139
The Airbus Helicopters H160 is a modern, medium twin designed around efficiency and low noise, typically positioned as a next‑generation platform for executive transport, offshore, and public services. It generally offers a practical range in the mid‑500 to roughly 600+ nautical mile class (depending on fit and reserves) and is commonly configured for about 8–12 passengers, with higher-density layouts possible for shuttle roles. The Bell 412EPi is a proven, medium twin utility helicopter derived from the 412 family, emphasizing ruggedness, hot‑and‑high performance, and mission flexibility (EMS, SAR, firefighting, utility). Its typical range is broadly similar, often around the 350–450 nautical mile class, and it usually carries about 10–13 passengers depending on interior and mission equipment. The Leonardo AW139 is a larger, heavier medium twin that bridges medium and super‑medium use cases, widely used for offshore and high-tempo EMS/SAR. It commonly posts ranges around 500–700 nautical miles (configuration dependent) and typically seats about 12–15 passengers in transport layouts.
| Spec | AIRBUS H160 | Bell 412EPi | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 14 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H160 | 412EPi | AW139 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 460 | 361 | 573 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 13 | 15 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3992 | 4829 | 4701 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 13 | 15 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 123 | 165 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,000,000 | $ 12,500,000 | $15,900,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 12.09 | $ 11.69 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.86 | $ 0.69 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 1,487 | $ 1,929 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 14 | 17 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 13 | 15 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 13 | 15 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HE Arrano | PT6T-9 | PT6C-67C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 5000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 1370 | 1679 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 113 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 330.5 | 414 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 39.4 | 52.1 | 54.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 11.5 | 16.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 45.2 | 46 | 54.7 |
| Width (ft) | — | 33 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 220 | 282 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 28 | 120 |