H135 vs 412EPX
The H135 leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus Helicopters H135 (introduced 1996) against the Bell Textron 412EPX (introduced 1981) 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 412EPX carries more passengers. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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H135 vs 412EPX: the key differences
- The 412EPX delivers 17% more range (H135: 343 nm; 412EPX: 402 nm).
- The H135 delivers 12% more cruise speed (H135: 137 kt; 412EPX: 122 kt).
- The 412EPX delivers 86% more passenger capacity (H135: 7 seats; 412EPX: 13 seats).
- The H135 is the newer design (introduced 1996 versus 1981 for the 412EPX), a gap of 15 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 412EPX is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (11,900 lbs versus 6,415 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
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 412EPX 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 412EPX leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The H135 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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H135 vs 412EPX: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H135 or the 412EPX?
The 412EPX has the longer published range — 402 nm versus 343 nm for the H135.
Does the H135 or 412EPX seat more passengers?
The 412EPX carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 13 seats, compared with 7 on the H135.
Which is faster, the H135 or the 412EPX?
The H135 cruises faster, at 137 kt versus 122 kt for the 412EPX.
Which is newer, the H135 or the 412EPX?
The H135 is the newer design, introduced in 1996 versus 1981 for the 412EPX.
Is the H135 or the 412EPX the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 412EPX is the larger aircraft — 11,900 lbs versus 6,415 lbs for the H135.
Should I buy the H135 or the 412EPX?
On published specifications the 412EPX leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The H135 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 412EPX?
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.