Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X
The Airbus Helicopters H125 (AS350) is a light single‑engine utility helicopter optimized for demanding missions such as external load, high/hot operations, and general workhorse roles. It typically offers the longest practical reach of the three, with an approximate range around 330–350 nautical miles depending on configuration. Passenger capacity is commonly 5 passengers plus 1 pilot (with some layouts varying by interior and mission equipment). The Airbus Helicopters H130 is also a light single‑engine helicopter but is positioned more toward passenger comfort, quiet operations, and tourism/VIP transport, featuring a roomier cabin than the H125. Its range is generally in a similar but slightly lower band, roughly about 320–340 nautical miles, again highly configuration‑dependent. It typically carries up to 6 passengers plus 1 pilot. The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is a light single‑engine helicopter aimed at training, private, and light commercial use, with modern avionics and lower operating complexity. It generally has the shortest range of the three at about 300–310 nautical miles. Typical seating is up to 4 passengers plus 1 pilot.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H130 | Bell 505 JetRanger X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 5.00 | $ 3.53 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H130 | 505 JetRanger X |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 333 | 306 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.71 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2299 | 1500 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 640 | $ 441 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 128 | 125 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,450,000 | $1,445,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2R |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 952 | 505 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 143 | 84.85 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 32.3 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.5 | 42.48 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.1 | 10.65 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35.1 | 37 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 6.51 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 4.66 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 2.75 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 7.17 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 137 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 18 |