Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker vs Leonardo Aw169
The Bell 429 GlobalRanger, Leonardo AW109 Trekker, and Leonardo AW169 all sit in the light to intermediate twin‑engine helicopter space, but they span different weight and mission classes. The Bell 429 is typically positioned as a light twin for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport, offering moderate range and a cabin sized for a small group of passengers or a medical interior, commonly accommodating up to about seven passengers in VIP-style layouts. The AW109 Trekker is also a light twin, generally emphasizing speed and efficient point‑to‑point missions; it usually carries a similar small passenger load (often six to seven), with range in the same broad bracket as the Bell 429 depending on configuration and reserves. The AW169 steps up a class into the light‑intermediate category, with a larger, more flexible cabin and higher maximum passenger seating (commonly up to around eight to ten), and it tends to offer the strongest overall range capability among the three when configured for longer missions. Actual figures vary notably with fuel fit, payload, avionics, and mission equipment.
| Spec | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.29 | $ 7.40 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 429 GlobalRanger | AW109 Trekker | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 365 | 450 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2535 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 931 | $ 1,125 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | Genesys Aerosystems | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 148 | 152 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $7,500,000 | $6,950,000 | $9,450,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 | 12 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 10 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW207D1 | PW207C | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1100 | 735 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 76 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 216.9 | 152 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 26.37 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 43 | 42.5 | 48.1 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4 | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 6.58 | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.25 | 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 |