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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H130 | MD Helicopters MD 500E |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 5.00 | $ 2.95 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H130 | MD 500E |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 333 | 258 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2299 | 1483 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 640 | $ 398 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 128 | 135 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,450,000 | $ 2,750,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2D | 250-C20B |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 952 | 420 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 143 | 64 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 35 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.5 | 30.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.1 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35.1 | 26.4 |