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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.

SpecAIRBUS H125AIRBUS H135Bell 505 JetRanger X
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 6.33$ 3.53
Min Crew111
Total Seats695
Flight RulesVFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersBell
Aircraft NameH125H135505 JetRanger X
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341342306
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.79$ 0.71
Max Cabin Seats57
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)218931241500
Standard Cabin Seats473
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 861$ 441
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HHelionixGarmin G1000H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136136125
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000$6,150,000$1,445,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats695
Max Cabin Seats57
Standard Cabin Seats473
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Engine
FADECYesYesDual-Channel
ModelArriel 2DArrius 2B2+Arrius 2R
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)500040004000
Horsepower847660505
No. of Engines121
Fuel Capacity (gal)14384.85
Fuel Burn (gph)32.3
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.533.542.48
Overall Height (ft)1012.610.65
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.13437
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173137
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