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Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 520n

The Airbus Helicopters H125 and H130 are single‑engine light helicopters: the H125 is typically chosen for utility and high‑hot performance, while the H130 is more passenger‑oriented with a larger cabin. Both generally offer ranges in the mid‑300‑nautical‑mile class depending on configuration, with typical passenger loads around 5–6 (up to about 6–7 seats total including the pilot, depending on layout). The Airbus H135 is a light twin‑engine helicopter, aimed at EMS, corporate, and public service missions; it usually carries about 5–6 passengers plus crew and has a broadly similar or slightly greater range, often around the mid‑300‑nautical‑mile class. The MD Helicopters MD 500E is a light single‑engine helicopter known for agility and utility roles; it commonly carries about 4 passengers plus pilot and has a shorter typical range, often roughly in the 200‑nautical‑mile class. The MD 520N is also light single‑engine but distinguished by its NOTAR anti‑torque system for reduced noise; capacity is similar (about 4 passengers plus pilot) with a comparable range to the 500E, commonly around the 200‑nautical‑mile class.

SpecAIRBUS H125AIRBUS H130AIRBUS H135MD Helicopters MD 500EMD Helicopters MD 520N
Summary
Cockpit23222
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 5.00$ 6.33$ 2.95$ 3.38
Min Crew11111
Total Seats67944
Flight RulesVFRVFRIFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersMD HelicotpersMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH125H130H135MD 500EMD 520N
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341333342258210
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.71$ 0.79$ 0.74$ 0.85
Max Cabin Seats55733
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)21892299312414831764
Standard Cabin Seats44722
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 640$ 861$ 398$ 416
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HGarmin G500HHelionixGyro / AnalogGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136128136135123
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000$3,450,000$6,150,000$ 2,750,000$ 2,900,000
Cabin
Cockpit23222
Min Crew11111
Total Seats67944
Max Cabin Seats55733
Standard Cabin Seats44722
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Engine
FADECYesYesYesNoNo
ModelArriel 2DArriel 2DArrius 2B2+250-C20B250-C20R
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)50005000400035003500
Horsepower847952660420450
No. of Engines11211
Fuel Capacity (gal)1431436464
Fuel Burn (gph)3535
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.541.533.530.931.4
Overall Height (ft)1011.112.68.78.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.135.13426.427.4
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173