Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw139

Airbus Helicopters’ H160 sits in the medium twin category, emphasizing efficiency and low noise with a modern cabin typically arranged for about 8 to 12 passengers depending on configuration. Its practical mission radius is generally in the mid-range for the class, with typical ranges around 450–500 nautical miles, varying with payload, reserves, and mission profile. Bell’s 429 GlobalRanger is a light twin, smaller and usually optimized for about 6 to 7 passengers in a corporate/EMS-style layout (with higher-density seating possible in utility roles). Its range is typically shorter than the H160 and AW139, commonly around 380–420 nautical miles depending on equipment and reserves. Leonardo’s AW139 is a medium twin in the larger end of this group, widely used for offshore, SAR, and utility work. It generally carries about 8 to 12 passengers in many operational layouts, with high-density configurations possible. Its range is broadly comparable to, and often slightly stronger than, the H160 in many missions, commonly around 500–570 nautical miles depending on variant and tanks.