AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X

Airbus Helicopters’ H125 and H130 are single‑engine light helicopters, while the H135 is a twin‑engine light helicopter, and the Bell 505 JetRanger X is a single‑engine light helicopter. In typical missions, the H125 is often chosen for utility and high/hot performance with a moderate range; it generally carries a pilot plus up to five passengers depending on configuration. The H130 targets passenger comfort and sightseeing with a roomier cabin than many singles, typically accommodating a pilot plus up to six passengers, and it offers a similar or somewhat better practical range than the H125 in many fit-outs. The H135, as a twin, is commonly selected when redundancy, IFR capability options, and certain operating environments matter; it usually carries a pilot plus five to six passengers, with range generally comparable to the larger single‑engine types but varying notably by avionics, interior, reserves, and mission profile. The Bell 505 is a lighter, modern single‑engine option, typically configured for a pilot plus four passengers, with range generally competitive for its class but often less than the larger‑cabin H130.

SpecAIRBUS H125AIRBUS H130AIRBUS H135Bell 505 JetRanger X
Summary
Cockpit2322
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 5.00$ 6.33$ 3.53
Min Crew1111
Total Seats6795
Flight RulesVFRVFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersBell
Aircraft NameH125H130H135505 JetRanger X
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341333342306
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.71$ 0.79$ 0.71
Max Cabin Seats557
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)2189229931241500
Standard Cabin Seats4473
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 640$ 861$ 441
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HGarmin G500HHelionixGarmin G1000H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136128136125
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000$3,450,000$6,150,000$1,445,000
Cabin
Cockpit2322
Min Crew1111
Total Seats6795
Max Cabin Seats557
Standard Cabin Seats4473
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Engine
FADECYesYesYesDual-Channel
ModelArriel 2DArriel 2DArrius 2B2+Arrius 2R
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)5000500040004000
Horsepower847952660505
No. of Engines1121
Fuel Capacity (gal)14314384.85
Fuel Burn (gph)32.3
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.541.533.542.48
Overall Height (ft)1011.112.610.65
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.135.13437
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173137
Width (ft)6.51
Cabin Width (ft)4.66
Cabin Height (ft)2.75
Cabin Length (ft)7.17
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)18