Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Robinson Helicopters R66 Marine
In category, the Airbus H125 and H130 are both single‑engine light helicopters, with the H125 optimized for utility and high‑hot performance, while the H130 is tuned more for passenger comfort, low noise, and tourism/VIP missions. The Bell 505 JetRanger X is also a single‑engine light helicopter aimed at training, private, and light utility roles with modern avionics. The Robinson R66 Marine is a light, single‑engine turbine variant configured for maritime operations, typically emphasizing corrosion protection and mission equipment options. For range, these aircraft broadly sit in a similar light‑turbine bracket, but the H125 and H130 are commonly selected when buyers want stronger mission flexibility and, depending on configuration, can offer competitive or better endurance for utility or passenger work. The Bell 505 generally delivers solid range for its class but is often positioned as a cost‑efficient light platform rather than a long‑range workhorse. The R66 Marine typically provides practical regional range, with endurance varying notably by fit-out and payload. For passenger capacity, the H130 is usually the leader (commonly up to seven including pilot), the H125 typically carries up to six including pilot, while the Bell 505 and R66 are commonly five including pilot.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H130 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | ROBINSON R66 Marine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 5.00 | $ 3.53 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 5 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H130 | 505 JetRanger X | R66 Marine |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 333 | 306 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | — | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2299 | 1500 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 640 | $ 441 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 128 | 125 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,450,000 | $1,445,000 | $ 965,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 5 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2R | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 952 | 505 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 143 | 84.85 | 73.6 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 32.3 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.5 | 42.48 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.1 | 10.65 | 11.4 |
| 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 | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 18 | 18 |