H130 vs H135
The H135 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Airbus Helicopters H130 (introduced 2012) and the Airbus Helicopters H135 (introduced 1996) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the H130 carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
H130 vs H135: the key differences
- The H135 delivers 2% more range (H130: 335 nm; H135: 343 nm).
- The H135 delivers 5% more cruise speed (H130: 130 kt; H135: 137 kt).
- The H130 delivers 14% more passenger capacity (H130: 8 seats; H135: 7 seats).
- The H130 is the newer design (introduced 2012 versus 1996 for the H135), a gap of 16 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The H135 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (6,415 lbs versus 5,070 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the H130 runs 1 engine against 2 on the H135 — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the H130 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
Choose the H135 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H130 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the H135 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
H130 vs H135: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H130 or the H135?
The H135 has the longer published range — 343 nm versus 335 nm for the H130.
Does the H130 or H135 seat more passengers?
The H130 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 8 seats, compared with 7 on the H135.
Which is faster, the H130 or the H135?
The H135 cruises faster, at 137 kt versus 130 kt for the H130.
Which is newer, the H130 or the H135?
The H130 is the newer design, introduced in 2012 versus 1996 for the H135.
Is the H130 or the H135 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H135 is the larger aircraft — 6,415 lbs versus 5,070 lbs for the H130.
Should I buy the H130 or the H135?
Choose the H135 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H130 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the H135 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the H130 vs H135?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.