H160 vs 429
The H160 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus Helicopters H160 (introduced 2021) against the Bell Textron 429 (introduced 2009) 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 H160 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.
H160 vs 429: the key differences
- The H160 delivers 5% more range (H160: 430 nm; 429: 411 nm).
- The H160 and 429 are evenly matched on cruise speed, both at 150 kt.
- The H160 delivers 50% more passenger capacity (H160: 12 seats; 429: 8 seats).
- The H160 is the newer design (introduced 2021 versus 2009 for the 429), a gap of 12 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The H160 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (13,228 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 H160 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 H160 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 429 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
H160 vs 429: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H160 or the 429?
The H160 has the longer published range — 430 nm versus 411 nm for the 429.
Does the H160 or 429 seat more passengers?
The H160 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 12 seats, compared with 8 on the 429.
Which is newer, the H160 or the 429?
The H160 is the newer design, introduced in 2021 versus 2009 for the 429.
Is the H160 or the 429 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H160 is the larger aircraft — 13,228 lbs versus 7,000 lbs for the 429.
Should I buy the H160 or the 429?
On published specifications the H160 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 429 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 H160 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.