Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Leonardo Sh09
The Airbus H125 and H130 and the Bell 505 are primarily light single‑engine helicopters, while the Airbus H135 is a light twin‑engine helicopter; the Leonardo SH09 sits in the modern light single‑engine class aimed at private and utility use. In range, the H125 is typically among the stronger performers in this group, with the H130 close behind; the Bell 505 is generally comparable but often somewhat shorter depending on configuration. The H135’s range is competitive for a light twin, though it commonly trades some endurance for twin‑engine capability, systems, and mission equipment. The SH09 is designed to be competitive in the same general bracket as other light singles, targeting practical utility/transport ranges rather than long‑range touring. For passenger capacity, the H130 is usually the people‑mover among the light singles, commonly configured for a pilot plus up to six passengers. The H125 and Bell 505 are more often set up around a pilot plus four passengers (with variations by interior and mission kit). The H135 typically carries a pilot plus five to six passengers depending on layout and medical/utility fit. The SH09 is generally positioned around a pilot plus four to five passengers.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 | $ 3.53 | $4.48 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H130 | H135 | 505 JetRanger X | SH09 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 333 | 342 | 306 | 430 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.71 | $0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 7 | — | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2299 | 3124 | 1500 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 640 | $ 861 | $ 441 | $627 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H | Helionix | Garmin G1000H | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 128 | 136 | 125 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 | $1,445,000 | $3,500,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | — | — | — | 7 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 7 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 6 |
| Configuration | — | — | Green Interior | — | — |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | Arrius 2R | HTS 900 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 5500 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 952 | 660 | 505 | 1020 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 143 | — | 84.85 | — |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | — | 32.3 | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.5 | 33.5 | 42.48 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.1 | 12.6 | 10.65 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35.1 | 34 | 37 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 173 | 137 | — |
| 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 | — |