Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker
In category, the Bell 429 GlobalRanger is typically positioned as a light twin-engine helicopter optimized for modern IFR operations, cabin space, and utility missions, while the Leonardo AW109 Grand New is a light twin aimed more squarely at premium corporate/VIP transport with higher cruise performance. The Leonardo AW109 Trekker sits in the same light-twin family but is configured for more rugged, multi-mission work (including options that favor off-airport capability), bridging executive comfort and utility flexibility. On range, the AW109 Grand New generally offers the longest legs in typical cruise profiles among these three, the Bell 429 is competitive but usually a bit shorter depending on equipment and reserves, and the AW109 Trekker tends to be similar to or slightly behind the Grand New, varying with mission fit and tank options. For passenger capacity, the Bell 429 commonly accommodates the most people in a practical cabin layout (often up to about six or seven passengers plus pilots, depending on configuration), whereas both AW109 variants are typically arranged for about six to seven passengers in executive or mixed-mission interiors, with exact seating driven by cabin fit and mission equipment.
| Spec | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.29 | $ 7.31 | $ 7.40 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 429 GlobalRanger | AW109 Grand New | AW109 Trekker |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 365 | 464 | 450 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.93 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2535 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 931 | $ 1,140 | $ 1,125 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | Genesys Aerosystems |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 148 | 156 | 152 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $7,500,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $6,950,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW207D1 | PW207C | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1100 | 735 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 76 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 216.9 | 152 | 152 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 26.37 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 43 | 42.5 | 42.5 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4 | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 6.58 | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.25 | 11.5 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 130 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 74 | — | — |