Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii
The Airbus H125 sits in the light single-engine utility category and is typically chosen for demanding missions; it generally offers the longest practical range of this group and carries one pilot plus up to five passengers. The Airbus H130 is also a light single-engine helicopter but tuned more for passenger comfort and sightseeing; its range is usually slightly shorter than the H125, and it typically carries one pilot plus up to six passengers, giving it the highest passenger capacity here. The Bell 505 JetRanger X is a light single-engine aircraft positioned for training, corporate, and light utility work; its range is competitive but commonly falls below the H125/H130, and it usually carries one pilot plus up to four passengers. The Robinson R44 Raven II is a light piston single, widely used for training and personal transport; it generally has the shortest range in this comparison and carries one pilot plus up to three passengers. Overall, H125 tends to lead on range and rugged capability, H130 on passenger capacity, while Bell 505 and R44 emphasize lower operating complexity and cost.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H130 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | ROBINSON R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 5.00 | $ 3.53 | $ 2.36 |
| 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 II |
| 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 | $ 0.59 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | — | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2299 | 1500 | 995 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 3 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 640 | $ 441 | $ 257 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 128 | 125 | 109 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,450,000 | $1,445,000 | $ 490,000 |
| 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 | IO-540 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 4000 | 2200 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 952 | 505 | 245 |
| 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 | — | — | — | Fuel Injected |
| 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 |