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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.

SpecAIRBUS H160AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169
Summary
Cockpit222
Min Crew221
Total Seats141712
Flight RulesIFRIFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoLeonardo
Aircraft NameH160AW139AW169
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)460573440
Max Cabin Seats121510
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)39924701
Standard Cabin Seats121510
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISEFISEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)155165140
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
Cockpit222
Min Crew221
Total Seats141712
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats121510
Standard Cabin Seats121510
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelHE ArranoPT6C-67CPW210A
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400050004000
No. of Engines222
Horsepower16791000
Fuel Capacity (gal)414
Dimensions
Length (ft)39.454.748.1
Overall Height (ft)13.116.414.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)45.254.7
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)282222.5
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)12049.5