Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Aw169
The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger and Leonardo AW109 Grand New are both light twin-engine helicopters, while the Leonardo AW169 sits in the larger “intermediate” twin category. In category terms, the 429WLG emphasizes a roomy light-utility cabin and strong hot-and-high performance for its class; the AW109 Grand New is a lighter, faster-leaning light twin often positioned toward executive transport; and the AW169 offers a step up in overall size, payload, and mission flexibility compared with either light twin. For range, the AW109 Grand New and Bell 429WLG are generally comparable in typical mission planning, with the AW109 often cited with a slight edge depending on configuration, reserves, and speed assumptions. The AW169 typically delivers longer legs and greater fuel/payload flexibility overall, reflecting its bigger airframe and higher gross weight options. For passenger capacity, the Bell 429WLG commonly seats about six to seven passengers plus one or two pilots, the AW109 Grand New typically carries around six to seven passengers plus one or two pilots, and the AW169 generally accommodates more, often up to eight or more passengers plus one or two pilots depending on interior and mission fit.
| Spec | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.05 | $ 7.31 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW109 Grand New | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 381 | 464 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.76 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2528 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 931 | $ 1,140 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 154 | 156 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $7,700,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $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) | 12.39 | 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 |