Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven I
All four are light single‑engine helicopters, but they span different utility and comfort niches. The Airbus H125 is a high‑performance light utility helicopter (often used for EMS, utility and mountain work) with the longest typical range in this group at roughly 330–350 nautical miles, and it commonly carries a pilot plus up to five passengers (six seats total, configuration dependent). The Airbus H130 is also a light single‑engine helicopter, positioned more toward passenger transport and tourism with a quieter, roomier cabin; its typical range is slightly shorter than the H125 at about 300–330 nautical miles, and it also offers up to six seats total. The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is a modern light single‑engine turbine in the training/corporate/light utility category; typical range is around 300–310 nautical miles and seating is usually one pilot plus four passengers (five seats total). The Robinson R44 Raven I is a light single‑engine piston helicopter oriented to training, private and light commercial work; it carries up to four people total and has the shortest range here, typically about 300 nautical miles or less depending on fuel and conditions.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H130 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | ROBINSON R44 Raven I |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 5.00 | $ 3.53 | $ 2.30 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H130 | 505 JetRanger X | R44 Raven I |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 333 | 306 | 300 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.57 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | — | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2299 | 1500 | 950 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 3 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 640 | $ 441 | $ 248 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 128 | 125 | 108 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,450,000 | $1,445,000 | $ 412,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 3 | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2R | O-540 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 4000 | 2200 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 952 | 505 | 225 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 143 | 84.85 | 29.5 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 32.3 | — |
| TBO (yrs) | — | — | — | 12 |
| Fuel Delivery | — | — | — | Carbureted |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.5 | 42.48 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.1 | 10.65 | 10.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35.1 | 37 | 33 |
| 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 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | — | 2.5 |