Airbush130 vs Bell 412epi vs Leonardo Aw139
In category terms, the Airbus H130 is a light, single‑engine helicopter optimized for lower operating cost and simple missions such as tourism, utility work, and short‑range passenger transport. The Bell 412EPi is a medium twin‑engine helicopter, typically chosen for multi‑role utility, offshore support, and public‑service missions where twin‑engine redundancy and higher lift are priorities. The Leonardo AW139 is also a medium twin, generally positioned a step above the 412EPi in performance and speed for demanding offshore, SAR, and executive transport roles. For range, the H130 is usually the shortest‑legged of the three, suited to regional hops rather than long overwater sectors. The 412EPi typically offers a longer operational reach than the H130 and is commonly used for sustained utility missions. The AW139 often provides the strongest combination of cruise speed and practical mission radius among the three, depending on fuel and cabin configuration. For passenger capacity, the H130 commonly carries around six to seven passengers, the Bell 412EPi typically seats more (often up to about a dozen in high‑density layouts), and the AW139 generally matches or exceeds the 412EPi with higher-capacity configurations while retaining a larger, more flexible cabin.
| Spec | Bell 412EPi | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 12.09 | $ 11.69 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 412EPi | AW139 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 361 | 573 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.86 | $ 0.69 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 13 | 15 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4829 | 4701 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 13 | 15 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,487 | $ 1,929 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 123 | 165 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 12,500,000 | $15,900,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 17 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 13 | 15 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 13 | 15 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6T-9 | PT6C-67C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 1370 | 1679 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 113 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 330.5 | 414 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width (ft) | 33 | — |
| Length (ft) | 52.1 | 54.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.5 | 16.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 46 | 54.7 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 220 | 282 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 28 | 120 |