Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw169
Both the Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger and the Leonardo AW169 sit in the light twin‑engine helicopter category, but they target slightly different missions. The Bell 429 is generally positioned as a lighter, more compact platform optimized for EMS, law enforcement, corporate transport, and utility work, whereas the AW169 is typically considered a step up in size and class, often marketed toward higher payload, longer multi‑role missions, and more spacious cabin configurations. On range, the AW169 commonly offers the higher maximum range in many configurations, reflecting its larger fuel capacity and overall performance margins, while the Bell 429 delivers solid mid‑range capability suitable for regional missions and frequent short to medium legs. Exact range figures vary notably with seating layout, reserves, weather, and optional tanks. For passenger capacity, the Bell 429 is usually configured for a smaller group in executive/utility layouts, while the AW169 can generally accommodate more passengers thanks to a larger cabin volume and higher useful load, making it more flexible for mixed passenger-and-baggage or multi‑role interior arrangements.
| Spec | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.05 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 381 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.76 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2528 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 931 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 154 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $7,700,000 | $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) | 12.39 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 130 | 222.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 74 | 49.5 |