Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Md Helicopters Md 530f
Airbus Helicopters’ H125 (AS350) is a light single‑engine utility helicopter, typically offering the longest practical range in this group (roughly 330–360 nm with typical tanks, higher with optional equipment) and the most cabin flexibility, commonly seating 5–6 passengers plus a pilot depending on configuration and weight. The Airbus H135 is a light twin‑engine helicopter aimed at EMS, law enforcement, and corporate missions; it generally carries 5–6 passengers plus one or two pilots (higher-density layouts exist) and has a range often around 300–340 nm, trading some payload and cost for twin‑engine redundancy and a quieter, refined cabin. The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is a modern light single‑engine trainer/light utility platform, usually configured for 4 passengers plus a pilot, with range commonly around 300–330 nm. The MD Helicopters MD 530F is a light single‑engine, high‑hot performer derived from the 500 series, typically set up for 4 passengers plus a pilot (or mission equipment), with range often around 240–300 nm depending on fit and reserves.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | MD Helicopters MD 530F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 6.33 | $ 3.53 | $ 3.59 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 9 | 5 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H135 | 505 JetRanger X | MD 530F |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 342 | 306 | 216 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | — | 3 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 3124 | 1500 | 1509 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 3 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 861 | $ 441 | $ 480 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | Garmin G1000H | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 136 | 125 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $6,150,000 | $1,445,000 | $ 3,400,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 9 | 5 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | — | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 3 | 2 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | Arrius 2R | 250-C30 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 660 | 505 | 650 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 84.85 | 64 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 32.3 | 35 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 33.5 | 42.48 | 32.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 12.6 | 10.65 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 34 | 37 | 27.5 |
| 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 | — |