Bell 407gxi vs Leonardo Sh09
The Bell 407GXi is a proven single‑engine light utility helicopter, commonly used for corporate transport, EMS, law enforcement, and general utility work. The Leonardo SH09 is also positioned as a single‑engine light helicopter, but it is a newer design aimed at similar multi‑role missions with a strong emphasis on modern avionics and cabin flexibility. On range, the 407GXi is typically cited around the mid‑300 nautical mile class under standard reserves, varying with payload, fuel configuration, and conditions. The SH09 is generally marketed in a comparable light‑single bracket, with published range figures depending on final certification configuration and mission fit; in practical terms, it targets the same kind of regional, point‑to‑point missions rather than long‑range transport. For passenger capacity, the 407GXi is usually configured for one pilot plus up to six passengers in the cabin (with layouts varying by mission). The SH09 is commonly presented as seating one pilot plus up to seven or eight occupants depending on configuration, though exact numbers depend on the certified interior and weight limits.
| Spec | Bell 407GXi | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.43 | $4.48 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 407GXi | SH09 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | In-Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 337 | 430 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2300 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 589 | $627 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H NXI | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 133 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,225,000 | $3,500,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | 7 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | M250-C47E/4 | HTS 900 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5500 |
| Horsepower | 862 | 1020 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 46 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 127.8 | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width (ft) | 25.4 | — |
| Length (ft) | 41.4 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 3.9 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.2 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 125 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 16 | — |