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.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | Subaru Bell 412EPX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 11.69 | $ 11.84 | $ 12.09 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 17 | 12 | 15 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | Leonardo | Subaru Bell |
| Aircraft Name | AW139 | AW169 | 412EPX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | Certified |
| Max Range (nm) | 573 | 440 | 361 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.69 | $ 0.99 | $ 0.86 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 15 | 10 | 13 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4701 | — | 5385 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 15 | 10 | 13 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,929 | $ 1,658 | $ 1,487 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 165 | 140 | 123 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,900,000 | $9,450,000 | $ 12,875,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 17 | 12 | 15 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 15 | 10 | 13 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 15 | 10 | 13 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6C-67C | PW210A | PT6T-9 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | Jet Fuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1679 | 1000 | 1370 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 113 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 414 | — | 330.5 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 54.7 | 48.1 | 52.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.4 | 14.8 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 54.7 | — | 46 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 282 | 222.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 120 | 49.5 | 28 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 33 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 220 |