Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw139
The Airbus Helicopters H160 is a modern medium twin positioned as a high-end multi‑mission aircraft; it typically offers a practical range on the order of roughly 450–530 nautical miles depending on fit and reserves, and commonly seats about 10–12 passengers in an airline-style layout (or fewer with VIP/EMS interiors). The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger is a light twin intended for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate shuttle work; its typical range is about 380–410 nautical miles, and it is usually configured for around 6–7 passengers (up to about 8–9 seats depending on interior and mission). The Leonardo AW139 sits in the larger medium twin class with strong offshore and SAR credentials; it generally delivers about 550–700 nautical miles of range with auxiliary fuel options and commonly accommodates about 12–15 passengers in transport layouts (less in VIP or missionized configurations). Overall, the 429 prioritizes agility and lower operating footprint, the H160 balances advanced comfort and efficiency in the medium segment, and the AW139 emphasizes higher payload and cabin volume with longer-range options.
| Spec | AIRBUS H160 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 8 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H160 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW139 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 460 | 381 | 573 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 | 15 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3992 | 2528 | 4701 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 | 15 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 154 | 165 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,000,000 | $7,700,000 | $15,900,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 6.05 | $ 11.69 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.76 | $ 0.69 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 931 | $ 1,929 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 8 | 17 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 | 15 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 | 15 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HE Arrano | PW207D1 | PT6C-67C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 5000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 1100 | 1679 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 414 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 39.4 | 43 | 54.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 12.39 | 16.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 45.2 | 36 | 54.7 |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 130 | 282 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 74 | 120 |