H130 vs H160
The H160 leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus Helicopters H130 (introduced 2012) against the Airbus Helicopters H160 (introduced 2021) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the H160 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 H160: the key differences
- The H160 delivers 28% more range (H130: 335 nm; H160: 430 nm).
- The H160 delivers 15% more cruise speed (H130: 130 kt; H160: 150 kt).
- The H160 delivers 50% more passenger capacity (H130: 8 seats; H160: 12 seats).
- The H160 is the newer design (introduced 2021 versus 2012 for the H130), a gap of 9 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The H160 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (13,228 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 H160 — 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 H160 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?
On published specifications the H160 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The H130 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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H130 vs H160: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H130 or the H160?
The H160 has the longer published range — 430 nm versus 335 nm for the H130.
Does the H130 or H160 seat more passengers?
The H160 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 12 seats, compared with 8 on the H130.
Which is faster, the H130 or the H160?
The H160 cruises faster, at 150 kt versus 130 kt for the H130.
Which is newer, the H130 or the H160?
The H160 is the newer design, introduced in 2021 versus 2012 for the H130.
Is the H130 or the H160 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H160 is the larger aircraft — 13,228 lbs versus 5,070 lbs for the H130.
Should I buy the H130 or the H160?
On published specifications the H160 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The H130 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the H130 vs H160?
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.