Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw169
The Bell 429 GlobalRanger and Leonardo AW169 are both modern twin‑engine, IFR-capable light/intermediate helicopters, but they sit in slightly different parts of the market. The Bell 429 is typically viewed as a light twin optimized for missions such as EMS, law enforcement, corporate transport, and utility work, emphasizing a roomy cabin for its class and straightforward operating economics. The AW169 is commonly positioned a step up in the light‑intermediate segment, aimed at operators wanting more cabin volume, higher payload flexibility, and stronger performance margins for roles like offshore support, EMS, and VIP transport. In range terms, both can be equipped and configured to cover several hundred nautical miles, but the AW169 generally offers higher maximum range potential depending on fuel tank options and mission fit, while the Bell 429’s range is competitive within the light twin category and often mission-limited by payload choices. For passenger capacity, typical corporate layouts for the Bell 429 are around six to seven passengers, whereas the AW169 commonly seats about eight to ten in standard configurations, with maximum seating options that can be higher depending on interior and regulatory choices.
| Spec | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.29 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 429 GlobalRanger | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 365 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2535 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 931 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 148 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $7,500,000 | $9,450,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 12 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 10 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW207D1 | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1100 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 216.9 | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width (ft) | 26.37 | — |
| Length (ft) | 43 | 48.1 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 6.58 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.25 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 130 | 222.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 74 | 49.5 |