Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Md Helicopters Md 520n vs Md Helicopters Md 600n
The Airbus Helicopters H125 (AS350) and H130 are light single‑engine helicopters in the utility/tourism class. The H125 is optimized for high‑hot performance and external‑load work, typically carrying a pilot plus up to five passengers, with a practical range commonly in the roughly 330–400 nm (610–740 km) band depending on configuration. The H130 is tuned for quieter, more comfortable passenger operations with a wider cabin, usually seating a pilot plus up to six passengers, and it generally offers similar or slightly greater range, often around 330–360+ nm (610–670+ km). The MD Helicopters MD 520N and MD 600N are light single‑engine helicopters distinguished by the NOTAR (no tail rotor) anti‑torque system, aimed at reduced noise and simpler ground safety. The MD 520N is the smaller, typically seating a pilot plus three to four passengers, with range commonly around 220–260 nm (410–480 km). The MD 600N is larger, typically seating a pilot plus five to six passengers, with range often around 250–320 nm (460–590 km), varying with fuel and payload.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H130 | MD Helicopters MD 520N | MD Helicopters MD 600N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 5.00 | $ 3.38 | $ 4.06 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 4 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H130 | MD 520N | MD 600N |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 333 | 210 | 341 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.85 | $ 0.68 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 3 | 5 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2299 | 1764 | 2000 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 2 | 5 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 640 | $ 416 | $ 545 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 128 | 123 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,450,000 | $ 2,900,000 | $3,400,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 4 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 2 | 5 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2D | 250-C20R | 250-C47 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 3500 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 952 | 450 | 715 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 143 | 64 | 118 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 35 | 41 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.5 | 31.4 | 36.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.1 | 8.8 | 9.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35.1 | 27.4 | 27.5 |