H145 vs 429
The 429 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Airbus Helicopters H145 (introduced 2014) 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 cabin capacity, where the H145 carries more passengers. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
H145 vs 429: the key differences
- The 429 delivers 18% more range (H145: 348 nm; 429: 411 nm).
- The 429 delivers 7% more cruise speed (H145: 140 kt; 429: 150 kt).
- The H145 delivers 38% more passenger capacity (H145: 11 seats; 429: 8 seats).
- The H145 is the newer design (introduced 2014 versus 2009 for the 429), a gap of 5 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The H145 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (7,903 lbs versus 7,000 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 H145 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 429 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H145 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 429 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.
H145 vs 429: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H145 or the 429?
The 429 has the longer published range — 411 nm versus 348 nm for the H145.
Does the H145 or 429 seat more passengers?
The H145 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 11 seats, compared with 8 on the 429.
Which is faster, the H145 or the 429?
The 429 cruises faster, at 150 kt versus 140 kt for the H145.
Which is newer, the H145 or the 429?
The H145 is the newer design, introduced in 2014 versus 2009 for the 429.
Is the H145 or the 429 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H145 is the larger aircraft — 7,903 lbs versus 7,000 lbs for the 429.
Should I buy the H145 or the 429?
Choose the 429 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H145 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 429 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 H145 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.