Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Leonardo Aw169
All three are modern twin‑engine civil helicopters, but they sit in slightly different weight and mission brackets. The Airbus Helicopters H160 is typically positioned as an efficient medium twin for offshore, EMS, and corporate transport, with a practical range commonly quoted around 450–500 nautical miles depending on configuration, and a cabin that usually accommodates about 10–12 passengers in transport layouts. The Leonardo AW169 is a lighter “light‑intermediate” twin aimed at EMS, law enforcement, and shuttle work; it generally offers shorter range than the H160 and 525 (often roughly 400–450 nautical miles), and passenger capacity commonly around 8–10 in high‑density seating, or fewer with specialized interiors. The Bell 525 Relentless is the largest of the three and targets the “super‑medium” segment, particularly offshore and executive missions; it is generally cited with the longest range of this group (often around 500+ nautical miles) and the highest passenger capacity, commonly about 16–20 depending on seating and mission equipment. Figures vary with tanks, payload, and interior choices.
| Spec | AIRBUS H160 | Bell 525 Relentless | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 18 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H160 | 525 Relentless | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 460 | 580 | 440 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3992 | 6675 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 10 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 160 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,000,000 | $15,000,000 | $9,450,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | — | $ 11.84 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | — | $ 0.99 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | — | $ 1,658 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 18 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 10 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | HE Arrano | CT7-2F1 | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 1800 | 1000 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 641 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 39.4 | 61.58 | 48.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 18.18 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 45.2 | 54.5 | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.77 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.58 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.5 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 15.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 128 | 49.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 222.5 |