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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H215 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 19.07 | $ 11.69 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 17 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H215 | AW139 | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 468 | 573 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.91 | $ 0.69 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 22 | 15 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 8903 | 4701 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 15 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,708 | $ 1,929 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 165 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $27,500,000 | $15,900,000 | $9,450,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 17 | 12 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 22 | 15 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 15 | 10 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 1A1 | PT6C-67C | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3000 | 5000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1820 | 1679 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 540 | 414 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 61.4 | 54.7 | 48.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.2 | 16.4 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 51.2 | 54.7 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 473.9 | 282 | 222.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 120 | 49.5 |