412EPX vs AW169
The AW169 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Bell Textron 412EPX (introduced 1981) beside the Leonardo Helicopters AW169 (introduced 2015) 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 412EPX carries more passengers. undefined
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
412EPX vs AW169: the key differences
- The AW169 delivers 7% more range (412EPX: 402 nm; AW169: 430 nm).
- The AW169 delivers 19% more cruise speed (412EPX: 122 kt; AW169: 145 kt).
- The 412EPX delivers 30% more passenger capacity (412EPX: 13 seats; AW169: 10 seats).
- The AW169 is the newer design (introduced 2015 versus 1981 for the 412EPX), a gap of 34 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 10,630 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?
Choose the AW169 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 412EPX when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the AW169 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.
More comparisons
412EPX vs AW169: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 412EPX or the AW169?
The AW169 has the longer published range — 430 nm versus 402 nm for the 412EPX.
Does the 412EPX or AW169 seat more passengers?
The 412EPX carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 13 seats, compared with 10 on the AW169.
Which is faster, the 412EPX or the AW169?
The AW169 cruises faster, at 145 kt versus 122 kt for the 412EPX.
Which is newer, the 412EPX or the AW169?
The AW169 is the newer design, introduced in 2015 versus 1981 for the 412EPX.
Is the 412EPX or the AW169 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 412EPX is the larger aircraft — 11,900 lbs versus 10,630 lbs for the AW169.
Should I buy the 412EPX or the AW169?
Choose the AW169 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 412EPX when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the AW169 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 412EPX vs AW169?
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.