Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X
The Airbus Helicopters H125 sits in the single‑engine light utility category, optimized for high‑and‑hot performance and external‑load work. Compared with the others, it typically offers the longest reach and the most useful cabin/load flexibility, with seating commonly arranged for a pilot plus up to five passengers depending on configuration and mission equipment. The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a light twin‑engine helicopter focused on redundancy, smoothness, and low vibration, making it a staple for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport. Its practical range is generally shorter than an H125’s, but it maintains strong all‑around capability with a cabin usually configured for one or two pilots and around five to six passengers, again varying by interior and mission fit. The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is a modern light single‑engine helicopter aimed at training, personal/corporate use, and light utility roles. It is typically the most compact of the three, with range and payload generally below the H125, and seating most often for a pilot plus up to four passengers in a standard arrangement.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 505 JetRanger X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 6.33 | $ 3.53 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 9 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H135 | 505 JetRanger X |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 342 | 306 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.71 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 3124 | 1500 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 861 | $ 441 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | Garmin G1000H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 136 | 125 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $6,150,000 | $1,445,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 9 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 3 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | Arrius 2R |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 660 | 505 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 84.85 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 32.3 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 33.5 | 42.48 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 12.6 | 10.65 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 34 | 37 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 | 137 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 6.51 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 4.66 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 2.75 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 7.17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 18 |