Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw139 vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Leonardo Aw189
The Bell 429 GlobalRanger is a light twin helicopter, typically configured for about six to seven passengers (plus crew), and is best suited to shorter missions, with an approximate range on the order of 400–450 nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves. The Leonardo AW139 is a medium twin in the next class up, commonly carrying around 12–15 passengers, and generally offers a longer practical range, often roughly 550–650 nautical miles. The Leonardo AW169 sits between the 429 and AW139 as a light-intermediate twin; it usually accommodates about 8–10 passengers and delivers mid-range capability, commonly around 450–550 nautical miles. The Leonardo AW189 is the largest of the group, a super-medium twin designed for higher payload and offshore roles, typically seating about 16–19 passengers with a range broadly comparable to or slightly above the AW139 in many configurations, often around 600–700 nautical miles. Overall, capacity and mission weight class step up from 429 to AW169 to AW139 to AW189, with range generally increasing as you move into the larger offshore-oriented types.
| Spec | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.29 | $ 11.69 | $ 11.84 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 17 | 12 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 429 GlobalRanger | AW139 | AW169 | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 365 | 573 | 440 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.69 | $ 0.99 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 15 | 10 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2535 | 4701 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 15 | 10 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 931 | $ 1,929 | $ 1,658 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 148 | 165 | 140 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $7,500,000 | $15,900,000 | $9,450,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 17 | 12 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 15 | 10 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 15 | 10 | 19 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW207D1 | PT6C-67C | PW210A | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1100 | 1679 | 1000 | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 76 | — | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 216.9 | 414 | — | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Width (ft) | 26.37 | — | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 43 | 54.7 | 48.1 | 57.8 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 6.58 | — | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.25 | 16.4 | 14.8 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36 | 54.7 | — | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 130 | 282 | 222.5 | 395 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 74 | 120 | 49.5 | 85 |