Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker Airbus Helicopters H135
The Bell 429 GlobalRanger and Leonardo AW109 Grand New are both light twin‑engine helicopters, but they emphasize slightly different strengths. In broad category terms, the Bell 429 is often positioned as a light, modern utility/EMS-oriented platform with a comparatively roomy cabin and strong hot-and-high and single-pilot IFR mission flexibility depending on configuration, while the AW109 Grand New is a light twin frequently associated with faster point‑to‑point executive transport and a more performance‑leaning profile. On range, both are typically used for short to mid‑range missions, but the AW109 Grand New commonly advertises a longer maximum range in typical brochure configurations, whereas the Bell 429’s practical mission range is competitive but often optimized around payload, cabin space, and mission equipment. For passenger capacity, both can be configured for around six to seven passengers plus one or two pilots depending on interior and regulations, but the Bell 429 is widely noted for accommodating a more spacious cabin layout, while the AW109 Grand New tends to trade some cabin volume for speed and a sleeker airframe.
| Spec | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.29 | $ 7.31 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 429 GlobalRanger | AW109 Grand New |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 365 | 464 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.91 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2535 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 931 | $ 1,140 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 148 | 156 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $7,500,000 | $ 7,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW207D1 | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1100 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 216.9 | 152 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width (ft) | 26.37 | — |
| Length (ft) | 43 | 42.5 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 6.58 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.25 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36 | 35.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 130 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 74 | — |