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Bell 407gxi vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 429 Globalranger

The Bell 407GXi and Bell 429 GlobalRanger are both single-main-rotor light helicopters, while the Airbus H135 is a light twin-engine helicopter with a fenestron (enclosed) tail rotor, often favored where lower external noise and added redundancy are priorities. In typical use, all three fall into the light helicopter category, but the H135 and Bell 429 are commonly positioned as light twins suited to EMS, law enforcement, and corporate missions, whereas the 407GXi is a high-performance light single often chosen for utility, training, and cost-sensitive operations. For range, the Bell 407GXi is generally competitive for a light single, while the H135 and Bell 429 typically offer similar or somewhat mission-dependent ranges that can vary noticeably with cabin fit-out, fuel options, payload, and reserves; in practice they are broadly comparable for regional flights rather than long-haul transport. For passenger capacity, the Bell 407GXi is commonly configured for one pilot plus about five to six passengers, the Airbus H135 for one to two pilots plus about five to six passengers, and the Bell 429 for one to two pilots plus about six to seven passengers, with the 429 usually offering the most cabin volume and seating flexibility among the three.

SpecAIRBUS H135Bell 407GXiBell 429 GlobalRanger
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 4.43$ 6.29
Min Crew111
Total Seats968
Flight RulesIFRVFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellBell
Aircraft NameH135407GXi429 GlobalRanger
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342337365
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.74$ 0.79
Max Cabin Seats756
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)312423002535
Standard Cabin Seats756
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 589$ 931
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixGarmin G1000H NXIBell BasiX-Pro
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136133148
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$3,225,000$7,500,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats968
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats756
Standard Cabin Seats756
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelArrius 2B2+M250-C47E/4PW207D1
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400035004000
Horsepower6608621100
No. of Engines212
Fuel Burn (gph)4676
Fuel Capacity (gal)127.8216.9
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.541.443
Overall Height (ft)12.610.213.25
Rotor Diameter (ft)343536
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173125130
Width (ft)25.426.37
Cabin Width (ft)55
Cabin Height (ft)3.94
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)1674
Cabin Length (ft)6.58