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Bell 429 Globalranger vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker

The Bell 429 GlobalRanger and Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger sit in the light twin-engine utility/EMS class, typically configured for about six to seven passengers plus one or two pilots, with the 429WLG distinguished mainly by its wheeled landing gear for better ground handling and certain mission profiles. In range, both 429 variants are broadly similar—generally in the mid-300 nautical mile class depending on payload, reserves, and equipment—positioning them for regional shuttle, public safety, and corporate missions rather than long-range transport. The Leonardo AW109 GrandNew and AW109 Trekker are also light twin-engine helicopters, but they skew more toward fast, premium passenger transport and versatile utility. Passenger capacity is commonly six to seven passengers plus one or two pilots, comparable to the Bell 429, though interior layouts vary widely by operator. Range for the AW109 family is typically similar or slightly higher than the Bell 429 in many configurations, often around the mid-300 to low-400 nautical mile class, again mission-dependent. The GrandNew emphasizes luxury and speed, while the Trekker adds rough-field practicality (notably with skid-style gear) for mixed on/off-airport operations.

SpecBell 429 GlobalRangerBell 429WLG GlobalRangerAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand NewAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker
Summary
Cockpit2222
DOC / nm$ 6.29$ 6.05$ 7.31$ 7.40
Min Crew1111
Total Seats8888
Flight RulesIFRIFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerBellBellLeonardoLeonardo
Aircraft Name429 GlobalRanger429WLG GlobalRangerAW109 Grand NewAW109 Trekker
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)365381464450
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.76$ 0.91$ 0.93
Max Cabin Seats6666
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)25352528
Standard Cabin Seats6666
Direct Operating Cost$ 931$ 931$ 1,140$ 1,125
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Bell BasiX-ProBell BasiX-ProEFISGenesys Aerosystems
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)148154156152
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$7,500,000$7,700,000$ 7,800,000 $6,950,000
Cabin
Cockpit2222
Min Crew1111
Total Seats8888
Max Cabin Seats6666
Standard Cabin Seats6666
Engine
FADECYesYesYesYes
ModelPW207D1PW207D1PW207CPW207C
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)4000400040004000
Horsepower11001100735735
No. of Engines2222
Fuel Burn (gph)7676
Fuel Capacity (gal)216.9216.9152152
Dimensions
Width (ft)26.3726.37
Length (ft)434342.542.5
Cabin Width (ft)55
Cabin Height (ft)44
Cabin Length (ft)6.586.58
Overall Height (ft)13.2512.3911.511.5
Rotor Diameter (ft)363635.535.5
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)130130
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)7474