Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Bell 407gxi vs Md Helicopters Md 600n
All four are single‑engine light helicopters aimed at utility and passenger transport, but they differ in cabin size and typical mission reach. The Airbus H125 is a high‑performance utility helicopter in the light single category, commonly configured for about five passengers plus a pilot, and it is often chosen when operators want solid range with strong payload and hot‑and‑high capability. The Airbus H130 is also a light single, but it emphasizes comfort and sightseeing with a roomier, quieter cabin; it typically carries six passengers plus a pilot, with range generally comparable to other light singles but often optimized for passenger operations rather than external‑load work. The Bell 407GXi sits in the same broad class, usually carrying about five passengers plus a pilot, and is frequently selected for a balanced mix of speed, efficient range, and multi‑role capability. The MD Helicopters MD 600N is a light single that typically carries about five passengers plus a pilot; its NOTAR configuration reduces tail‑rotor hazards and can suit urban or confined‑area operations, with range broadly in the light‑single bracket and typically similar to the H125/407 depending on tanks and payload.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H130 | Bell 407GXi | MD Helicopters MD 600N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 5.00 | $ 4.43 | $ 4.06 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H130 | 407GXi | MD 600N |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 333 | 337 | 341 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.68 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2299 | 2300 | 2000 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 640 | $ 589 | $ 545 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H NXI | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 128 | 133 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,450,000 | $3,225,000 | $3,400,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2D | M250-C47E/4 | 250-C47 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 3500 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 952 | 862 | 715 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 143 | 127.8 | 118 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 46 | 41 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.5 | 41.4 | 36.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.1 | 10.2 | 9.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35.1 | 35 | 27.5 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 25.4 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 3.9 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 125 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 16 | — |