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Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Md Helicopters Md 500e

The Airbus Helicopters H125 (AS350) is a light single‑engine utility helicopter optimized for high‑altitude and hot‑and‑high performance, commonly used for work missions and general transport. Its typical practical range is roughly in the 330–360 nm (610–670 km) class depending on configuration, and it usually carries a pilot plus about five passengers (or a comparable payload-focused cabin setup). The Airbus Helicopters H130 is also a light single‑engine helicopter but is more passenger-comfort and tourism oriented, emphasizing a quieter cabin and wide, unobstructed seating. Range is broadly similar to the H125, often around the 330–350 nm (610–650 km) class, while passenger capacity is typically a pilot plus six passengers. The MD Helicopters MD 500E is a light single‑engine helicopter in a smaller, more agile category, often favored for observation, training, light utility, and law-enforcement roles. Its typical range is generally lower, commonly around the 230–300 nm (425–555 km) class, and it usually carries a pilot plus three to four passengers depending on interior and mission equipment.

SpecAIRBUS H125AIRBUS H130MD Helicopters MD 500E
Summary
Cockpit232
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 5.00$ 2.95
Min Crew111
Total Seats674
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH125H130MD 500E
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341333258
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.71$ 0.74
Max Cabin Seats553
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)218922991483
Standard Cabin Seats442
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 640$ 398
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HGarmin G500HGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136128135
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000$3,450,000$ 2,750,000
Cabin
Cockpit232
Min Crew111
Total Seats674
Max Cabin Seats553
Standard Cabin Seats442
Engine
FADECYesYesNo
ModelArriel 2DArriel 2D250-C20B
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)500050003500
Horsepower847952420
No. of Engines111
Fuel Capacity (gal)14314364
Fuel Burn (gph)35
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.541.530.9
Overall Height (ft)1011.18.7
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.135.126.4