AW109 vs Bell 430

Overview

The AW109 and the Bell 430 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by AgustaWestland and Bell respectively.

Top speed is 311 km/h for the AW109 vs 278 km/h for the Bell 430. The AW109 has an operational range of 932 km vs 600 km for the Bell 430. The Bell 430 operates at altitudes up to 6,096 m compared to 6,000 m for the AW109.

The AW109 has been produced in 124 units vs 136 for the Bell 430. Unit cost is $8M for the AW109 vs $10M for the Bell 430. The AW109 first flew 23 years before the Bell 430 (1971 vs 1994).

Italian multipurpose helicopter, notable for its use in law enforcement, air ambulance and military roles since the late 1970s.
AgustaWestland AW109 Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇮🇹 Italy
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer AgustaWestland
First flight 4 August 1971
Year introduced 1976
Number produced 124 units
Average unit price $8 million
American commercial helicopter, actively utilized globally for medical services and executive transportation since the late 20th century.
Bell Bell 430 Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell
First flight 25 October 1994
Year introduced 1995
Number produced 136 units
Average unit price $10 million
Wingspan 11.0 m
Height 3.5 m
Length 13.0 m
Maximum speed 311 km/h
Operational range 932 km
Service ceiling 6,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,000 kg
Empty weight 2,000 kg
Total thrust 2 x 213 kW
Wingspan 12.8 m
Height 3.8 m
Length 15.3 m
Maximum speed 278 km/h
Operational range 600 km
Service ceiling 6,096 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,218 kg
Empty weight 2,406 kg
Total thrust 2 x 293 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AW109 or Bell 430?
The AW109 is faster with a maximum speed of 311 km/h compared to the Bell 430's 278 km/h, a difference of 33 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AW109 or Bell 430?
The AW109 has a longer range at 932 km compared to the Bell 430's 600 km.
Which can fly higher, the AW109 or Bell 430?
The Bell 430 has a higher service ceiling at 6,096 meters (20,000 ft) compared to the AW109's 6,000 meters (19,685 ft).
Which is heavier, the AW109 or Bell 430?
The Bell 430 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,218 kg compared to the AW109's 3,000 kg.
Which is larger, the AW109 or Bell 430?
The Bell 430 is longer at 15.3 meters compared to the AW109's 13.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AW109 or Bell 430?
The Bell 430 is more expensive at approximately $10 million per unit compared to the AW109 at $8.0 million.
Which entered service first, the AW109 or Bell 430?
The AW109 entered service first in 1976, 19 years before the Bell 430 which entered service in 1995.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AW109 or Bell 430?
The Bell 430 has been produced in greater numbers with 136 units compared to 124 units of the AW109.