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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 | MD Helicopters MD 500E | MD Helicopters MD 520N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 | $ 2.95 | $ 3.38 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 9 | 4 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H130 | H135 | MD 500E | MD 520N |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 333 | 342 | 258 | 210 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.85 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 3 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2299 | 3124 | 1483 | 1764 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 640 | $ 861 | $ 398 | $ 416 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H | Helionix | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 128 | 136 | 135 | 123 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 | $ 2,750,000 | $ 2,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 9 | 4 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 2 |
| Configuration | — | — | Green Interior | — | — |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | 250-C20B | 250-C20R |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 4000 | 3500 | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 952 | 660 | 420 | 450 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 143 | — | 64 | 64 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | — | 35 | 35 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.5 | 33.5 | 30.9 | 31.4 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.1 | 12.6 | 8.7 | 8.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35.1 | 34 | 26.4 | 27.4 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 173 | — | — |