Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw139 vs Leonardo Aw169
The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger is a light twin-engine helicopter, typically used for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate missions. It generally offers the shortest range of the three and the smallest cabin, commonly accommodating around six to seven passengers in a corporate layout (with higher counts possible in high-density configurations). The Leonardo AW169 sits in the light‑intermediate twin category, positioned above the Bell 429 in size and capability. It usually provides a longer practical range than the Bell 429 and a larger, more flexible cabin, often carrying about eight to ten passengers depending on interior and mission equipment. The Leonardo AW139 is a medium twin-engine helicopter and is the largest of the group. It typically delivers the greatest range and payload/cabin volume, with common passenger configurations around 12 to 15 seats, again varying by interior fit, fuel options, and regulatory limits. Overall, moving from the Bell 429 to the AW169 to the AW139 generally means stepping up in category, cabin size and passenger capacity, and mission radius, at the cost of higher acquisition and operating complexity.
| Spec | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.05 | $ 11.69 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 17 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW139 | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 381 | 573 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.76 | $ 0.69 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 15 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2528 | 4701 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 15 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 931 | $ 1,929 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 154 | 165 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $7,700,000 | $15,900,000 | $9,450,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 17 | 12 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 15 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 15 | 10 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW207D1 | PT6C-67C | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1100 | 1679 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 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 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4 | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 6.58 | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.39 | 16.4 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36 | 54.7 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 130 | 282 | 222.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 74 | 120 | 49.5 |