Airbushelicopters H135 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw169
The Bell 429 GlobalRanger and Leonardo AW169 are both modern twin‑engine light/medium helicopters, but they sit in slightly different weight and mission classes. The Bell 429 is generally positioned in the light twin segment, optimized for short to medium missions such as EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport, with a typically quoted range around 400 to 450 nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves. Passenger capacity is commonly up to seven occupants in a standard arrangement (often flown as one or two pilots plus several passengers), with interiors frequently tailored to mission equipment or executive seating. The AW169 is usually considered a larger, higher‑gross‑weight aircraft in the light‑intermediate/medium‑twin space, aimed at longer legs and higher payload flexibility for offshore support, public services, and VIP use. Its commonly quoted range is broadly similar to or somewhat higher, often around 400 to 450+ nautical miles depending on tanks, payload, and reserves. Typical passenger capacity is higher, commonly up to eight to ten occupants in many layouts, reflecting its larger cabin and payload margins.
| Spec | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.29 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 429 GlobalRanger | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 365 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2535 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 931 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 148 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $7,500,000 | $9,450,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 12 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 10 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW207D1 | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1100 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 216.9 | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width (ft) | 26.37 | — |
| Length (ft) | 43 | 48.1 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 6.58 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.25 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 130 | 222.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 74 | 49.5 |