H135 vs R66 Turbine
The H135 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Airbus Helicopters H135 (introduced 1996) beside the Robinson Helicopter R66 Turbine (introduced 2010) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the H135 carries more passengers. undefined
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H135 vs R66 Turbine: the key differences
- The R66 Turbine delivers 2% more range (H135: 343 nm; R66 Turbine: 350 nm).
- The H135 delivers 25% more cruise speed (H135: 137 kt; R66 Turbine: 110 kt).
- The H135 delivers 40% more passenger capacity (H135: 7 seats; R66 Turbine: 5 seats).
- The R66 Turbine is the newer design (introduced 2010 versus 1996 for the H135), a gap of 14 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 2,700 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 R66 Turbine — 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?
Choose the R66 Turbine when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H135 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.
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H135 vs R66 Turbine: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H135 or the R66 Turbine?
The R66 Turbine has the longer published range — 350 nm versus 343 nm for the H135.
Does the H135 or R66 Turbine seat more passengers?
The H135 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 7 seats, compared with 5 on the R66 Turbine.
Which is faster, the H135 or the R66 Turbine?
The H135 cruises faster, at 137 kt versus 110 kt for the R66 Turbine.
Which is newer, the H135 or the R66 Turbine?
The R66 Turbine is the newer design, introduced in 2010 versus 1996 for the H135.
Is the H135 or the R66 Turbine the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H135 is the larger aircraft — 6,415 lbs versus 2,700 lbs for the R66 Turbine.
Should I buy the H135 or the R66 Turbine?
Choose the R66 Turbine when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H135 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 H135 vs R66 Turbine?
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.