Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Enstrom 480b vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Robinson R66
The Airbus H225 and Leonardo AW189 are large, twin‑engine helicopters aimed at offshore transport, SAR, and utility missions. Both typically carry around 16–19 passengers in airline-style seating (more in high-density layouts) and offer long reach; in practical terms they are used for several-hundred‑nautical‑mile sectors, with typical mission ranges roughly in the 400–500 nm class depending on fit, reserves, and payload. The AW189 is slightly smaller and commonly positioned as a “super‑medium,” while the H225 is a heavier “heavy/large” category aircraft with higher lift and cabin volume. The Enstrom 480B sits in the light, single‑engine utility/training segment. It usually carries 4–5 occupants total and is suited to shorter regional legs, with typical ranges roughly around 300–350 nm depending on fuel and loading. The Robinson R66 is also a light, single‑engine turbine helicopter, generally seating up to 5 occupants total. Its range is typically in the 300 nm neighborhood, optimized for private, training, light utility, and short corporate or charter missions rather than offshore passenger transport.
| 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 |