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Airbus Helicopters H215 vs Leonardo Aw139 vs Leonardo Aw169

The Airbus Helicopters H215 sits in the heavy, twin‑engine utility category (a Super Puma/Cougar derivative) and is generally chosen when high payload and long legs matter. It offers the longest typical range of the three (roughly in the 450–540 nautical mile class, depending on fit and reserves) and the highest passenger capacity, commonly around 19 passengers in airline-style seating, with layouts often optimized for offshore transport or utility missions. The Leonardo AW139 is a medium, twin‑engine helicopter positioned for fast multi‑role work such as offshore, SAR, and EMS. Its typical range is mid-pack (about 570–660 nautical miles depending on configuration and tanks), and it usually carries fewer passengers than the H215 but more than the AW169, commonly around 12–15 in standard transport layouts. The Leonardo AW169 is a light‑intermediate, twin‑engine helicopter aimed at EMS, corporate, and light utility roles. It generally has the shortest range of the three (roughly 400–450 nautical miles typical) and the smallest cabin capacity, often around 8–10 passengers depending on interior and mission equipment.

SpecAIRBUS H215AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 19.07$ 11.69$ 11.84
Min Crew221
Total Seats211712
Flight RulesIFRIFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoLeonardo
Aircraft NameH215AW139AW169
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)468573440
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.91$ 0.69$ 0.99
Max Cabin Seats221510
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)89034701
Standard Cabin Seats191510
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,708$ 1,929$ 1,658
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISEFISEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)142165140
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$27,500,000 $15,900,000 $9,450,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew221
Total Seats211712
Max Cabin Seats221510
Standard Cabin Seats191510
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelMakila 1A1PT6C-67CPW210A
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)300050004000
Horsepower182016791000
No. of Engines222
Fuel Capacity (gal)540414
Dimensions
Length (ft)61.454.748.1
Overall Height (ft)16.216.414.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)51.254.7
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)473.9282222.5
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)12049.5