AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Bell 407gxi vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Robinson Helicopters R66

In category, the Airbus H125 and Bell 407GXi sit in the light single‑engine utility/turbine class, typically chosen for higher external-load capability, hot‑and‑high performance, and demanding mission work. The Airbus H130 is also a light single turbine but is oriented more toward passenger comfort and low noise (common in tourism and corporate shuttle). The Bell 505 JetRanger X and Robinson R66 are lighter single‑turbine helicopters, often positioned as cost‑efficient multi‑role/owner-operator aircraft. The MD Helicopters MD 500E is a light single turbine known for agility and speed-focused operations, often configured for utility or specialty roles. On range, the H125, H130, and 407GXi generally offer the longest legs in this group, with the R66 and 505 typically a step behind, and the MD 500E often comparable but more configuration-dependent. For passenger capacity, the H130 usually leads with seating commonly up to 7 (including pilot), while the H125 and 407GXi are commonly up to 6–7 depending on interior. The 505 and R66 are typically 5 seats (including pilot), and the MD 500E is commonly around 5 as well.

SpecAIRBUS H125AIRBUS H130Bell 407GXiBell 505 JetRanger XMD Helicopters MD 500EROBINSON R66
Summary
Cockpit232222
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 5.00$ 4.43$ 3.53$ 2.95$ 3.49
Min Crew111111
Total Seats676545
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersBellBellMD HelicotpersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft NameH125H130407GXi505 JetRanger XMD 500ER66
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341333337306258350
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.71$ 0.74$ 0.71$ 0.74$ 0.70
Max Cabin Seats5553
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)218922992300150014831355
Standard Cabin Seats445323
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 640$ 589$ 441$ 398$ 384
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HGarmin G500HGarmin G1000H NXIGarmin G1000HGyro / AnalogGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136128133125135110
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000$3,450,000$3,225,000$1,445,000$ 2,750,000$ 920,000
Cabin
Cockpit232222
Min Crew111111
Total Seats676545
Max Cabin Seats5553
Standard Cabin Seats445323
Engine
FADECYesYesYesDual-ChannelNoNo
ModelArriel 2DArriel 2DM250-C47E/4Arrius 2R250-C20BRR300
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)500050003500400035002000
Horsepower847952862505420300
No. of Engines111111
Fuel Capacity (gal)143143127.884.856473.6
Fuel Burn (gph)4632.335
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.541.541.442.4830.938.3
Overall Height (ft)1011.110.210.658.711.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.135.1353726.433
Width (ft)25.46.51
Cabin Width (ft)54.66
Cabin Height (ft)3.92.75
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)12513750
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)161818
Cabin Length (ft)7.17