Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Subaru Bell 412epx
Airbus Helicopters’ H160 is a newer-generation, medium twin helicopter optimized for speed, efficiency, and lower noise, typically positioned for premium offshore, EMS, and corporate/utility missions. The Subaru Bell 412EPX is a rugged evolution of the long-established 412 family, aimed at high-utility roles such as firefighting, search and rescue, and general public-service or industrial lift where proven systems and external-load capability are priorities. In range, the H160 generally offers a longer cruise range in typical configurations, often cited in the roughly 450–520 nautical mile class depending on fuel fit and reserves, while the 412EPX is commonly quoted around the roughly 350–450 nautical mile class, again varying with payload, fuel options, and mission profile. For passenger capacity, both are broadly similar in the utility-medium segment. The H160 is usually configured for about 10–12 passengers (plus crew) depending on interior and mission equipment, while the 412EPX commonly carries about 10–13 passengers (plus crew), with practical capacity strongly influenced by required fuel, cabin layout, and allowable payload.
| Spec | AIRBUS H160 | Subaru Bell 412EPX |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | — |
| Total Seats | 14 | 15 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Subaru Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H160 | 412EPX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | Certified |
| Max Range (nm) | 460 | 361 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 13 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3992 | 5385 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 13 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 123 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,000,000 | $ 12,875,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 12.09 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.86 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 1,487 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 15 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 13 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 13 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HE Arrano | PT6T-9 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | Jet Fuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 113 |
| Horsepower | — | 1370 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 330.5 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 39.4 | 52.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 45.2 | 46 |
| Width (ft) | — | 33 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 220 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 28 |