Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New
The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger and Leonardo AW109 Grand New sit in the light twin-engine category, while the Bell 525 Relentless is a larger super‑medium twin designed for higher payload and longer missions. In typical roles, the 429WLG is aimed at efficient short‑to‑medium hops for EMS, utility, and corporate transport; the AW109 Grand New is a faster, premium light twin often favored for executive missions; and the 525 targets offshore, corporate, and regional transport where cabin volume and range matter more. For range, the Bell 525 generally leads, offering the longest legs and best suitability for extended overwater or remote operations. The AW109 Grand New and Bell 429WLG are closer to each other, with both offering solid regional range, but usually less than the 525; the AW109 often emphasizes cruise speed over maximum endurance, while the 429 is optimized for balanced performance and mission flexibility. Passenger capacity follows size: the Bell 525 typically carries the most passengers in a spacious cabin, the Bell 429WLG is mid‑pack for a light twin, and the AW109 Grand New is comparable but commonly configured for fewer passengers in executive layouts.
| Spec | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | Bell 525 Relentless | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.05 | — | $ 7.31 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 18 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 429WLG GlobalRanger | 525 Relentless | AW109 Grand New |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 381 | 580 | 464 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.76 | — | $ 0.91 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 16 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2528 | 6675 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 16 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 931 | — | $ 1,140 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | Garmin G5000H | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 154 | 160 | 156 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $7,700,000 | $15,000,000 | $ 7,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 18 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 16 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 16 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | PW207D1 | CT7-2F1 | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1100 | 1800 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 76 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 216.9 | 641 | 152 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 26.37 | 25.77 | — |
| Length (ft) | 43 | 61.58 | 42.5 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | 7.58 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4 | 4.5 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 6.58 | 15.5 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.39 | 18.18 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36 | 54.5 | 35.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 130 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 74 | 128 | — |