Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger
The Airbus Helicopters H160 and the Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger are both modern twin‑engine civil helicopters, but they sit in different weight and mission classes. The H160 is generally positioned as a larger, more premium medium twin aimed at offshore transport, corporate/VIP travel, and high‑end emergency services, whereas the Bell 429WLG is a lighter twin commonly used for EMS, law enforcement, utility work, and corporate shuttle missions. On range, the H160 typically offers longer legs thanks to its larger airframe and fuel capacity, making it better suited to extended offshore or intercity sectors. The Bell 429WLG’s range is generally shorter, aligning with regional and urban missions, although it remains capable for point‑to‑point work when configured appropriately. For passenger capacity, the H160 usually accommodates more people in a roomier cabin; typical layouts seat around 10–12 passengers depending on configuration. The Bell 429WLG is typically arranged for fewer occupants, commonly around 6–8 passengers, again depending on interior and mission equipment.
| Spec | AIRBUS H160 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H160 | 429WLG GlobalRanger |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 460 | 381 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3992 | 2528 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 154 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,000,000 | $7,700,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 6.05 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.76 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 931 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HE Arrano | PW207D1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 1100 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 39.4 | 43 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 12.39 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 45.2 | 36 |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 130 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 74 |