AIR.ONE

Leonardo Aw139 vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Subaru Bell 412epx

The Leonardo AW139 is typically positioned as a medium twin-engine helicopter, offering the greatest overall lift and cabin volume of the three and therefore the broadest practical passenger fit for offshore, SAR, and utility missions. Its range is generally the longest in this group, depending on configuration and reserves, and it commonly accommodates around 12–15 passengers in typical transport layouts. The Leonardo AW169 is a lighter, smaller-category twin that emphasizes efficiency, modern avionics, and a flexible cabin for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate shuttle work. Compared with the AW139 it usually carries fewer passengers, often about 8–10 in common seating arrangements, and its range is generally shorter, though still substantial for its class. The Subaru Bell 412EPX is a medium twin derived from the long-running 412 line, known for rugged utility performance and hot/high capability. Passenger capacity is commonly in the 10–13 range depending on interior, and range is typically competitive with medium twins but often not as long as an AW139 when both are optimized for maximum distance.

SpecAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169Subaru Bell 412EPX
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 11.69$ 11.84$ 12.09
Min Crew21
Total Seats171215
Flight RulesIFRIFRIFR
ManufacturerLeonardoLeonardoSubaru Bell
Aircraft NameAW139AW169412EPX
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASACertified
Max Range (nm)573440361
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.69$ 0.99$ 0.86
Max Cabin Seats151013
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)47015385
Standard Cabin Seats151013
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,929$ 1,658$ 1,487
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISEFISBell BasiX-Pro
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)165140123
Base Aircraft Price (USD) $15,900,000 $9,450,000 $ 12,875,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew211
Total Seats171215
Max Cabin Seats151013
Standard Cabin Seats151013
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelPT6C-67CPW210APT6T-9
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJet Fuel
TBO (hrs)500040004000
Horsepower167910001370
No. of Engines22113
Fuel Capacity (gal)414330.5
Dimensions
Length (ft)54.748.152.1
Overall Height (ft)16.414.811.5
Rotor Diameter (ft)54.746
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)282222.5
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)12049.528
Width (ft)33
Cabin Length (ft)220