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Bell 429 Globalranger vs Cessna Grand Caravan Ex vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Leonardo Sh09

By category, the Cessna Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop fixed‑wing utility aircraft optimized for short/rough-field operations and simple, high-volume transport, while the Bell 429 GlobalRanger, Leonardo AW109 Trekker, Leonardo AW169, and the Leonardo SH09 are twin‑engine helicopters oriented to passenger, EMS, and utility roles (the AW109 Trekker being the lighter, more agile class; the AW169 and Bell 429 in the intermediate/light‑intermediate space; and the SH09 positioned as a modern light twin). On range, the Grand Caravan EX typically offers the longest practical range among these platforms, reflecting fixed‑wing efficiency. The Bell 429, AW109 Trekker, AW169, and SH09 generally fall into a similar helicopter band, with the AW169 often competitive toward the higher end of the group depending on fuel and cabin fit. On passenger capacity, the Grand Caravan EX commonly carries the most (often up to about 9–14 depending on configuration). The Bell 429 and AW169 usually seat around 7–10 in passenger layouts. The AW109 Trekker and SH09 are typically lighter-cabin options, commonly around 6–8 passengers, again dependent on interior and mission equipment.

SpecBell 429 GlobalRangerCessna Grand Caravan EXAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 TrekkerAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09
Summary
Cockpit22222
DOC / nm$ 6.29$ 3.15$ 7.40$ 11.84$4.48
Min Crew11111
Total Seats8108128
Flight RulesIFRVFRVFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerBellCessnaLeonardoLeonardoLeonardo
Aircraft Name429 GlobalRangerGrand Caravan EXAW109 TrekkerAW169SH09
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAIn-Development
Max Range (nm)365964450440430
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.39$ 0.93$ 0.99$0.56
Max Cabin Seats6126106
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)25353332
Standard Cabin Seats686106
Direct Operating Cost$ 931$ 614$ 1,125$ 1,658$627
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Bell BasiX-ProGarmin G1000 NXiGenesys AerosystemsEFISEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)148195152140140
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$7,500,000$2,695,000 $6,950,000 $9,450,000 $3,500,000
Max Passengers7
Cabin
Cockpit22222
Min Crew11111
Total Seats8108128
Max Cabin Seats612610
Standard Cabin Seats686106
LavatoryNo
Cargo DoorYes
Cabin Pressure (psi)Un-Pressurized
Galley / RefreshmentNo
Engine
FADECYesYesYesYesYes
ModelPW207D1PT6A-140PW207CPW210AHTS 900
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40004000400040005500
Horsepower110086773510001020
No. of Engines21221
Fuel Burn (gph)76
Fuel Capacity (gal)216.9335152
Flat RatingISA + 24
Dimensions
Width (ft)26.37
Length (ft)4341.642.548.1
Cabin Width (ft)55.4
Cabin Height (ft)44.5
Cabin Length (ft)6.5816.8
Overall Height (ft)13.2515.111.514.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)3635.5
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)130222.5
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)7449.5
Wingspan (ft)52.1
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)32