Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Airbus Helicopters H215 vs Leonardo Aw189
All three are super‑medium, twin‑engine helicopters aimed at offshore transport and multi‑mission work, but they sit in slightly different positions. The Airbus Helicopters H175 and Leonardo AW189 are closest in category as modern super‑medium designs optimized for offshore crew changes, long overwater legs, and high utilization; the H215 is a heavier, more traditional medium/heavy twin derived from the Super Puma family and is often favored for rugged utility, SAR, and roles where acquisition cost and proven logistics matter as much as cabin refinement. On range, the H175 and AW189 generally target broadly similar long‑range offshore profiles, typically in the several‑hundred‑nautical‑mile class depending on fuel, payload, and reserves, with the H175 often marketed at the upper end of this trio. The H215 also offers strong range, but its mission efficiency is more sensitive to configuration and payload because of its larger, older airframe. For passenger capacity, the H175 and AW189 commonly seat around 16–19 passengers in offshore layouts, while the H215 can be configured for roughly the high‑teens up to about 20+ in higher‑density arrangements.
| Spec | AIRBUS H175 | AIRBUS H215 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 13.53 | $ 19.07 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 21 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H175 | H215 | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 573 | 468 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.75 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 18 | 22 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6797 | 8903 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 19 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,016 | $ 2,708 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 149 | 142 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $17,900,000 | $27,500,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 21 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 18 | 22 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 19 | 19 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-67E | Makila 1A1 | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 3000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1775 | 1820 | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 540 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 59.2 | 61.4 | 57.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.5 | 16.2 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48.5 | 51.2 | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 423.8 | 473.9 | 395 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 81.9 | — | 85 |