Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Robinson Helicopters R66
The Airbus Helicopters H125 (AS350) is a single‑engine light utility helicopter optimized for high‑altitude and high‑temperature operations, often used for aerial work and rugged missions. It typically carries a pilot plus up to five passengers, and offers a moderate operational range in the light-single class. The Airbus Helicopters H130 (EC130) is also a single‑engine light helicopter, but it is oriented more toward passenger comfort, tourism, and quiet operation; it generally carries a pilot plus up to six passengers, making it the higher-capacity option among the three, with a comparable moderate range. The Robinson Helicopters R66 is a light, single‑engine turbine helicopter positioned as a simpler, cost-focused platform for private, training, and utility use; it typically carries a pilot plus up to four passengers, with a range broadly similar to other light turbines but commonly cited as competitive for its class depending on configuration and reserves. Overall, H130 emphasizes cabin capacity and comfort, H125 emphasizes utility performance, and R66 emphasizes simplicity and operating economics.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H130 | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 5.00 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H130 | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 333 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2299 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 640 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 128 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,450,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2D | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 952 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 143 | 73.6 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.5 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.1 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35.1 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 18 |