H135 vs 429
The 429 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Airbus Helicopters H135 (introduced 1996) beside the Bell Textron 429 (introduced 2009) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the 429 has the advantage. 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.
H135 vs 429: the key differences
- The 429 delivers 20% more range (H135: 343 nm; 429: 411 nm).
- The 429 delivers 9% more cruise speed (H135: 137 kt; 429: 150 kt).
- The 429 delivers 14% more passenger capacity (H135: 7 seats; 429: 8 seats).
- The 429 is the newer design (introduced 2009 versus 1996 for the H135), a gap of 13 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 429 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (7,000 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 429 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 429 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.
H135 vs 429: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H135 or the 429?
The 429 has the longer published range — 411 nm versus 343 nm for the H135.
Does the H135 or 429 seat more passengers?
The 429 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 8 seats, compared with 7 on the H135.
Which is faster, the H135 or the 429?
The 429 cruises faster, at 150 kt versus 137 kt for the H135.
Which is newer, the H135 or the 429?
The 429 is the newer design, introduced in 2009 versus 1996 for the H135.
Is the H135 or the 429 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 429 is the larger aircraft — 7,000 lbs versus 6,415 lbs for the H135.
Should I buy the H135 or the 429?
On published specifications the 429 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 429?
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.