Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Leonardo Aw139
The Airbus H175 sits in the super‑medium class, typically offering the longest practical reach and the most “big-cabin” flexibility of the three. It is often selected when operators want a higher payload and a comfortable multi‑role cabin (offshore, SAR, utility), with typical seating commonly around 16 passengers in high‑density layouts (often fewer in executive or mission configurations) and mission ranges that are generally in the ~600–700+ km class depending on fuel, reserves, and fit. The Airbus H160 is a newer-generation medium helicopter focused on efficiency, low noise, and passenger comfort rather than maximum cabin volume. It usually carries fewer people than an H175 or AW139 in comparable comfort layouts, commonly around 12 passengers, with range typically around the ~600 km class, again varying with configuration and reserves. The Leonardo AW139 is a widely used intermediate/medium twin and a benchmark in offshore and EMS markets. It generally matches or exceeds the H160 on cabin capacity and is often configured around 12–15 passengers, with range commonly in the ~500–650 km class, depending on tanks and mission profile.
| Spec | AIRBUS H160 | AIRBUS H175 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 18 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H160 | H175 | AW139 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 460 | 573 | 573 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 18 | 15 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3992 | 6797 | 4701 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 15 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 149 | 165 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,000,000 | $17,900,000 | $15,900,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 13.53 | $ 11.69 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.75 | $ 0.69 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 2,016 | $ 1,929 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 18 | 17 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 18 | 15 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 15 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HE Arrano | PT6A-67E | PT6C-67C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3500 | 5000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 1775 | 1679 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 414 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 39.4 | 59.2 | 54.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 17.5 | 16.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 45.2 | 48.5 | 54.7 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 423.8 | 282 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 81.9 | 120 |