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.
| Spec | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | Cessna Grand Caravan EX | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.29 | $ 3.15 | $ 7.40 | $ 11.84 | $4.48 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 10 | 8 | 12 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Cessna | Leonardo | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 429 GlobalRanger | Grand Caravan EX | AW109 Trekker | AW169 | SH09 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 365 | 964 | 450 | 440 | 430 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.39 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.99 | $0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 12 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2535 | 3332 | — | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 8 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 931 | $ 614 | $ 1,125 | $ 1,658 | $627 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | Garmin G1000 NXi | Genesys Aerosystems | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 148 | 195 | 152 | 140 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $7,500,000 | $2,695,000 | $6,950,000 | $9,450,000 | $3,500,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | — | — | — | 7 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 10 | 8 | 12 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 12 | 6 | 10 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 8 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | No | — | — | — |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes | — | — | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | Un-Pressurized | — | — | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | No | — | — | — |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW207D1 | PT6A-140 | PW207C | PW210A | HTS 900 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 5500 |
| Horsepower | 1100 | 867 | 735 | 1000 | 1020 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 76 | — | — | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 216.9 | 335 | 152 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 24 | — | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Width (ft) | 26.37 | — | — | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 43 | 41.6 | 42.5 | 48.1 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | 5.4 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4 | 4.5 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 6.58 | 16.8 | — | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.25 | 15.1 | 11.5 | 14.8 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36 | — | 35.5 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 130 | — | — | 222.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 74 | — | — | 49.5 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 52.1 | — | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 32 | — | — | — |