Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Embraer Legacy 650 E vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Robinson R66
The Airbus H225 and Leonardo AW189 are large, twin‑engine helicopters aimed at offshore, SAR, and utility transport. Both typically carry around 16–19 passengers in high‑density seating (fewer in VIP), with practical ranges generally in the 450–550 nautical mile class depending on payload and reserves; the H225 is usually the heavier, higher‑capacity option, while the AW189 is slightly smaller but in a similar mission set. The Robinson R66 is a light, single‑engine helicopter intended for shorter hops, training, and light utility/VIP work. It typically seats a pilot plus about four passengers, and its range is roughly in the 300 nautical mile class, varying with fuel and loading. The Embraer Legacy 650E is a long‑range business jet in a different category altogether: faster, higher, and optimized for point‑to‑point travel. It typically seats about 10–14 passengers in executive configuration (higher maximum with different layouts) and offers intercontinental‑style range around 3,900 nautical miles, far exceeding the helicopters, but without their vertical‑lift/remote‑site access advantages.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 57.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | 395 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 85 |