Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Leonardo Aw169
The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger, Airbus H145, and Leonardo AW169 all sit in the light to intermediate twin‑engine helicopter class, but they span slightly different mission emphases. The Bell 429 is generally positioned as a light twin optimized for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport, with typical seating configured around six to seven passengers (plus crew) depending on interior and mission equipment. Its practical range is usually in the mid‑300 nautical mile class, varying with fuel options, payload, and reserves. The Airbus H145 is also a light twin, often favored for EMS and utility work due to its cabin access and flexible layouts. Passenger capacity is commonly about seven to eight (plus crew), with range typically similar or modestly higher than the Bell in many configurations, again dependent on fit and operating profile. The Leonardo AW169 is typically considered a step up toward the light‑intermediate category, offering a larger cabin and higher payload capability. It is often configured for eight to ten passengers (plus crew) and commonly delivers a longer practical range than the Bell 429 and H145 when equipped and operated for transport missions.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 6.05 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 381 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 2528 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 931 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 154 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $7,700,000 | $9,450,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 10 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1100 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 43 | 48.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 12.39 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 130 | 222.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 74 | 49.5 |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | — |