Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Leonardo Aw139
The Airbus Helicopters H160 and Leonardo AW139 are both twin‑engine, medium‑class helicopters, but they emphasize slightly different priorities. The H160 is a newer-generation medium helicopter aimed at efficient, quieter operations with modern avionics and a refined cabin, often positioned for premium offshore transport, EMS, and corporate use. The AW139 is a widely established intermediate/medium helicopter known for versatility and strong fleet adoption across offshore, search and rescue, EMS, and government roles, with a broad worldwide support network. In range, the H160 is typically quoted around 450–500 nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves, while the AW139 is commonly in a similar band, roughly 500–570 nautical miles, again varying with tanks, payload, and mission profile. For passenger capacity, both can be configured in the high‑single to low‑teens. The H160 is generally arranged around 10–12 passengers in typical transport layouts, while the AW139 is often configured around 12–15 passengers, with some layouts accommodating more depending on seating and weight limits.
| Spec | AIRBUS H160 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H160 | AW139 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 460 | 573 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 15 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3992 | 4701 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 15 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 165 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,000,000 | $15,900,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 11.69 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.69 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 1,929 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 17 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 15 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 15 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HE Arrano | PT6C-67C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 1679 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 414 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 39.4 | 54.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 16.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 45.2 | 54.7 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 282 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 120 |