H135 vs 206L-4 LongRanger
The H135 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus Helicopters H135 (introduced 1996) against the Bell Textron 206L-4 LongRanger (introduced 1992) 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. On paper they are closely matched, so the decision usually turns on cabin, economics and availability. undefined
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H135 vs 206L-4 LongRanger: the key differences
- The H135 delivers 6% more range (H135: 343 nm; 206L-4 LongRanger: 324 nm).
- The H135 delivers 25% more cruise speed (H135: 137 kt; 206L-4 LongRanger: 110 kt).
- The H135 and 206L-4 LongRanger are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 7 seats.
- The H135 is the newer design (introduced 1996 versus 1992 for the 206L-4 LongRanger), a gap of 4 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 4,450 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the H135 runs 2 engines against 1 on the 206L-4 LongRanger — 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 H135 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 H135 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 206L-4 LongRanger 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.
More comparisons
H135 vs 206L-4 LongRanger: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H135 or the 206L-4 LongRanger?
The H135 has the longer published range — 343 nm versus 324 nm for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Which is faster, the H135 or the 206L-4 LongRanger?
The H135 cruises faster, at 137 kt versus 110 kt for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Which is newer, the H135 or the 206L-4 LongRanger?
The H135 is the newer design, introduced in 1996 versus 1992 for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Is the H135 or the 206L-4 LongRanger the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H135 is the larger aircraft — 6,415 lbs versus 4,450 lbs for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Should I buy the H135 or the 206L-4 LongRanger?
On published specifications the H135 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 206L-4 LongRanger 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 H135 vs 206L-4 LongRanger?
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.