Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw139...
The Airbus Helicopters H175 and the Bell 429 GlobalRanger sit in different weight and mission categories, so the comparison is less “like for like” and more about scale. The H175 is a larger, super‑medium twin designed for longer-range transport and heavier payload work, commonly used for offshore, utility, and high-capacity corporate or VIP missions. The Bell 429 is a lighter twin in the light/intermediate class, optimized for flexibility, lower operating footprint, and roles such as HEMS, law enforcement, and business transport. In range terms, the H175 generally offers a longer practical reach thanks to its larger fuel capacity and higher gross weight, making it better suited to extended sectors such as offshore legs. The Bell 429 typically delivers a shorter range than the H175, but still provides solid point-to-point capability for regional missions and frequent turnarounds. For passenger capacity, the H175 usually accommodates more people, often configured around 16–18 passengers depending on interior and mission fit. The Bell 429 is commonly arranged for fewer, typically up to about 7–8 passengers, again depending on configuration.
| Spec | AIRBUS H175 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 13.53 | $ 6.29 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H175 | 429 GlobalRanger |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 573 | 365 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.75 | $ 0.79 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 18 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6797 | 2535 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,016 | $ 931 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 149 | 148 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $17,900,000 | $7,500,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 18 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 18 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 16 | 6 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-67E | PW207D1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1775 | 1100 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 59.2 | 43 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.5 | 13.25 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48.5 | 36 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 423.8 | 130 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 81.9 | 74 |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 |