Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Enstrom 480b vs Leonardo Aw189
The Airbus H225, Enstrom 480B, and Leonardo AW189 sit in very different helicopter categories. The H225 and AW189 are medium twin‑engine helicopters typically used for offshore transport, search and rescue, and utility missions, while the Enstrom 480B is a light single‑engine helicopter more suited to training, patrol, and short‑range utility work. On range, the Enstrom 480B generally offers the shortest reach, reflecting its lighter class and smaller fuel/load margins. The AW189 and H225 both provide long, mission‑oriented ranges appropriate for offshore legs; between them, the H225 is often chosen when operators want heavier-lift capability and strong endurance margins, while the AW189 is commonly positioned as a slightly smaller medium twin with efficient long‑range performance. Passenger capacity follows the same pattern. The Enstrom 480B typically carries around five people including the pilot. The AW189 usually supports roughly 16–19 passengers in high‑density configurations, while the larger H225 is commonly configured for about 19 passengers (and can be arranged for fewer with more space or equipment).
| 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 |