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Airbus Helicopters H215 vs Leonardo Aw189

The Airbus Helicopters H215 and Leonardo AW189 sit in broadly similar medium-to-super-medium, twin‑engine categories, but they are optimized a bit differently. The H215 is a larger, heavier “medium-lift” helicopter derived from the Super Puma family and is commonly positioned for utility transport, offshore support, and public-service missions where robust payload and cabin volume are priorities. The AW189 is typically described as a super-medium helicopter aimed heavily at offshore and SAR markets, emphasizing modern avionics and efficient operations in its class. On range, both are designed for offshore legs and extended missions, with typical published ranges in broadly comparable bands depending on fuel, payload, and configuration; in many real-world setups the AW189 is often quoted around the high‑400 to low‑500 nautical mile class, while the H215 is frequently cited in a similar neighborhood, sometimes slightly higher with auxiliary fuel and mission tradeoffs. For passenger capacity, both can be configured for roughly the mid‑teens to around 19 passengers, with layouts varying by operator, fuel reserves, and mission equipment.

SpecAIRBUS H215AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 19.07$ 15.57
Min Crew21
Total Seats2121
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardo
Aircraft NameH215AW189
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)468651
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.91$ 0.74
Max Cabin Seats2219
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)8903
Standard Cabin Seats1919
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,708$ 2,413
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)142155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$27,500,000$2,413,000
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew21
Total Seats2121
Max Cabin Seats2219
Standard Cabin Seats1919
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelMakila 1A1CT7-2E1
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)30004000
Horsepower18201983
No. of Engines22
Fuel Capacity (gal)540
Dimensions
Length (ft)61.457.8
Overall Height (ft)16.216.6
Rotor Diameter (ft)51.248
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)473.9395
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)85