Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Robinson Helicopters R66
The Airbus H125 and H130 are single‑engine light helicopters, while the Airbus H135 and Robinson R66 are typically positioned as light twins (H135) and a larger single (R66). In category terms, H125 is a rugged utility/workhorse platform often chosen for external-load, high/hot operations and general mission flexibility. H130 targets passenger comfort in the single‑engine class, commonly used for sightseeing and VIP with a quieter, roomier cabin feel. H135 is a light twin‑engine helicopter aimed at higher redundancy and dispatch reliability, widely used for EMS, police, and corporate transport. The R66 is a simpler, cost‑focused turbine single often used for training, private travel, and light utility. For range, the H125 and H130 are generally comparable and typically offer moderate cross‑country capability; the H135’s range is in a similar broad bracket but varies more with mission equipment; the R66 is often competitive for short to medium legs but is usually not optimized for long‑range, high‑payload missions like some Airbus configurations. For passenger capacity, H130 commonly seats the most in this group (often up to seven including the pilot), H125 and R66 typically seat around five including the pilot, and H135 commonly seats about six to seven depending on layout.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 9 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H130 | H135 | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 333 | 342 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 7 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2299 | 3124 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 7 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 640 | $ 861 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H | Helionix | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 128 | 136 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 9 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 7 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 7 | 3 |
| Configuration | — | — | Green Interior | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 952 | 660 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 143 | — | 73.6 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.5 | 33.5 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.1 | 12.6 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35.1 | 34 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 173 | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | — | 18 |