Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H155 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X
The Airbus Helicopters H125 and Bell 505 JetRanger X sit in the light single‑engine category. Both are typically used for training, utility, and light passenger missions, but the H125 is generally the more capable workhorse with a longer typical range and a higher practical passenger load, commonly flown with about five to six seats depending on configuration, whereas the Bell 505 is usually a five‑seat aircraft with a somewhat shorter range. The Airbus H135 and H155 are twin‑engine helicopters aimed at higher‑end passenger and EMS/corporate roles. The H135 is a light twin with a typical seating of about six to seven passengers (plus crew) and a moderate range, offering twin‑engine redundancy in a compact footprint. The H155 is a medium twin, larger and more comfortable, usually configured for around eight to twelve passengers depending on interior and mission, and it generally provides the longest range of this group. Overall, capability and cabin size scale from Bell 505 and H125 up to H135, with the H155 offering the most capacity and reach.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H155 | Bell 505 JetRanger X |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 6.33 | $ 11.06 | $ 3.53 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 9 | 14 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H135 | H155 | 505 JetRanger X |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 342 | 423 | 306 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.71 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 12 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 3124 | 4012 | 1500 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 12 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 861 | $ 1,593 | $ 441 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | EFIS | Garmin G1000H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 136 | 144 | 125 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $6,150,000 | $14,800,000 | $1,445,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 9 | 14 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 12 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 12 | 3 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | Green Interior | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2C2 | Arrius 2R |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 660 | 943 | 505 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 332 | 84.85 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | — | 32.3 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 33.5 | 46.9 | 42.48 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 12.6 | 14.3 | 10.65 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 34 | 41.1 | 37 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 | 235.2 | 137 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 88.3 | 18 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | — | 6.51 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | — | 4.66 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | — | 2.75 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | — | 7.17 |