Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Leonardo Aw139 vs Leonardo Aw169
The Airbus Helicopters H160, Leonardo AW139, and Leonardo AW169 occupy adjacent segments of the modern twin‑engine civil helicopter market, but they differ in size and mission emphasis. The H160 is typically positioned as a medium twin with a strong focus on efficiency, low noise, and comfort for corporate/VIP transport, offshore logistics, and EMS; its practical range is generally around the mid‑400 to ~500+ nautical mile class depending on configuration, and typical seating is about 12 passengers in an airline-style cabin layout (fewer in VIP or mission interiors). The AW139 is a larger medium twin aimed at high payload and offshore/utility performance; it commonly offers a similar or somewhat longer mission radius than the others in many configurations, with typical passenger seating around 12 to 15. The AW169 is a smaller light‑intermediate twin designed for EMS, law enforcement, and short‑to‑medium transport; it generally has the shortest range of the three and usually seats about 8 to 10 passengers, though layouts vary widely by operator and role.
| Spec | AIRBUS H160 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 17 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H160 | AW139 | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 460 | 573 | 440 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 15 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3992 | 4701 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 15 | 10 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 165 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,000,000 | $15,900,000 | $9,450,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 11.69 | $ 11.84 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.69 | $ 0.99 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 1,929 | $ 1,658 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 17 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 15 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 15 | 10 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HE Arrano | PT6C-67C | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 | 4000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 1679 | 1000 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 414 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 39.4 | 54.7 | 48.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 16.4 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 45.2 | 54.7 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 282 | 222.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 120 | 49.5 |