Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Md Helicopters Md 600n
In category terms, the Airbus Helicopters H125 is a single‑engine light utility helicopter optimized for performance in hot‑and‑high conditions and for external‑load and multi‑mission work. The Airbus Helicopters H130 is also a single‑engine light helicopter, but it is generally positioned more toward passenger comfort, low noise, and sightseeing/VIP or corporate transport. The MD Helicopters MD 600N is a single‑engine light helicopter as well, notable for its NOTAR (no tail rotor) anti‑torque system, which can be attractive for operations where reduced tail‑rotor hazards and noise characteristics matter. For range, all three sit in a broadly similar light‑single bracket, but the H125 and H130 commonly offer slightly longer practical range than the MD 600N depending on configuration, reserves, and fuel options, with typical mission profiles often falling in the roughly 300–400+ nautical mile class. For passenger capacity, the H130 generally carries the most in typical layouts (often up to about 7 passengers), the H125 is usually configured around 5–6 passengers, and the MD 600N is typically around 5 passengers, all plus pilot, varying by interior and mission equipment.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H130 | MD Helicopters MD 600N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 5.00 | $ 4.06 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H130 | MD 600N |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 333 | 341 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.68 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2299 | 2000 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 640 | $ 545 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 128 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,450,000 | $3,400,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2D | 250-C47 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 952 | 715 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 143 | 118 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 41 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.5 | 36.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.1 | 9.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35.1 | 27.5 |