Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Leonardo Sh09
The Airbus Helicopters H125 is a light single-engine utility helicopter aimed at high-performance missions such as external load, public service, and demanding hot-and-high operations. It typically offers moderate range for the class (often roughly in the 330–350 nm region depending on fit and reserves) and commonly seats about 5–6 passengers plus a pilot, with layout varying by operator. The Airbus Helicopters H130 is also a light single, but positioned more toward passenger comfort and low noise for tourism and VIP work. Its cabin is generally configured for about 6–7 passengers plus a pilot, with range broadly comparable to the H125 and often slightly mission-dependent. The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is a lighter, entry-level single-engine platform optimized for training, personal/corporate use, and light utility. It typically carries about 4 passengers plus a pilot, with range generally in the same light-single band but often a bit lower than larger-cabin competitors. The Leonardo SH09 (often referenced as the AW09) is a new-generation light single targeting EMS, law enforcement, and corporate roles, with a larger, more modern cabin; it is generally marketed around 6 passengers plus a pilot and with range competitive with the upper end of the light-single segment (commonly cited around the mid- to high-300 nm class, configuration dependent).
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H130 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 5.00 | $ 3.53 | $4.48 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 5 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H130 | 505 JetRanger X | SH09 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 333 | 306 | 430 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.71 | $0.56 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | — | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2299 | 1500 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 3 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 640 | $ 441 | $627 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 128 | 125 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,450,000 | $1,445,000 | $3,500,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | — | — | 7 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 5 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 3 | 6 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2R | HTS 900 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 4000 | 5500 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 952 | 505 | 1020 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 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 | — |