Leonardo Aw169 vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii
The Leonardo AW169 is a modern intermediate twin‑engine helicopter, generally positioned for corporate transport, EMS, and offshore support. It offers the highest typical passenger capacity of the three (often configured around 8 passengers, depending on interior and mission kit) and the longest practical range in this comparison, commonly in the several-hundred‑nautical‑mile class, with endurance and reserves varying by fuel fit and payload. The Leonardo SH09 (often referred to as the Kopter/Leonardo SH09) is a newer-generation light single‑engine helicopter aimed at utility, passenger, and services roles. It sits between the AW169 and the R44 in both cabin size and mission scope, typically carrying about 6 to 8 occupants including the pilot, with range generally below the AW169 but competitive for the light single segment. The Robinson R44 Raven II is a light single‑engine piston helicopter primarily used for training, private travel, and light utility work. It typically seats 4 total (pilot plus three passengers) and has the shortest range of the three, suited to shorter regional legs rather than extended operations.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 | ROBINSON R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 11.84 | $4.48 | $ 2.36 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 12 | 8 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | Leonardo | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | AW169 | SH09 | R44 Raven II |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | In-Development | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 440 | 430 | 300 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $0.56 | $ 0.59 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 6 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 10 | 6 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,658 | $627 | $ 257 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 140 | 140 | 109 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $9,450,000 | $3,500,000 | $ 490,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | 7 | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | — | 995 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 12 | 8 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 10 | 6 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | PW210A | HTS 900 | IO-540 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5500 | 2200 |
| Horsepower | 1000 | 1020 | 245 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| TBO (yrs) | — | — | 12 |
| Fuel Delivery | — | — | Fuel Injected |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 29.5 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 48.1 | — | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.8 | — | 10.8 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 222.5 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 49.5 | — | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | — | 33 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 2.5 |