Leonardo Aw139 vs Subaru Bell 412epx
The Leonardo AW139 and the Subaru Bell 412EPX are both twin‑engine, medium‑class utility helicopters, but they emphasize slightly different strengths. The AW139 is typically positioned as a higher‑speed, longer‑leg aircraft in the medium twin segment, commonly chosen for offshore transport, EMS, and executive/VIP roles where cruise performance and cabin flexibility matter. The Bell 412EPX, derived from the long‑running 412 line, is generally framed as a rugged utility platform with strong hot‑and‑high and external‑load credentials, often favored for government, firefighting, SAR, and general utility missions. On range, the AW139 is commonly cited with a longer practical/maximum range than the 412EPX in comparable configurations, although real‑world mission radius depends heavily on payload, reserves, and installed equipment. On passenger capacity, both can be configured for utility seating in roughly the low‑to‑mid‑teens, but the AW139 is often marketed with a slightly larger, more configurable cabin, while the 412EPX typically emphasizes dependable multi‑role layouts and lift capability over cabin volume.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 | Subaru Bell 412EPX |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 11.69 | $ 12.09 |
| Min Crew | 2 | — |
| Total Seats | 17 | 15 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | Subaru Bell |
| Aircraft Name | AW139 | 412EPX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | Certified |
| Max Range (nm) | 573 | 361 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.69 | $ 0.86 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 15 | 13 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4701 | 5385 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 15 | 13 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,929 | $ 1,487 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 165 | 123 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,900,000 | $ 12,875,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 17 | 15 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 15 | 13 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 15 | 13 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6C-67C | PT6T-9 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | Jet Fuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1679 | 1370 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 113 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 414 | 330.5 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 54.7 | 52.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.4 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 54.7 | 46 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 282 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 120 | 28 |
| Width (ft) | — | 33 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 220 |