Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Airbus Helicopters H155 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X
By category, the Bell 505 JetRanger X and Airbus H125 are both light single‑engine helicopters, typically used for training, utility work, and short‑to‑medium missions; the H125 is generally positioned as the higher‑payload, more rugged utility single, while the 505 is often favored for lower operating complexity and training/owner use. The Airbus H145 and H155 are twin‑engine aircraft, moving into more demanding roles and certification environments; the H145 is a light twin optimized for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport with strong cabin access and modern avionics, while the H155 is a larger medium twin aimed more at offshore support and higher‑end corporate/VIP missions with greater cabin volume. On range, the single‑engine H125 and Bell 505 are typically in the mid‑hundreds of nautical miles depending on fuel fit and payload, while the twin‑engine H145 is similar to slightly higher in many configurations; the H155 generally offers the longest range of this group, commonly pushing further into long‑leg missions. For passenger capacity, the Bell 505 is usually configured around 4 passengers plus pilot, the H125 commonly around 5–6 passengers plus pilot, the H145 often around 8–9 passengers (or medical layouts), and the H155 typically around 12 passengers in high‑density seating.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H145 | AIRBUS H155 | Bell 505 JetRanger X |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 9.31 | $ 11.06 | $ 3.53 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 10 | 14 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H145 | H155 | 505 JetRanger X |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 352 | 423 | 306 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.71 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 9 | 12 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 4200 | 4012 | 1500 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 8 | 12 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 1,210 | $ 1,593 | $ 441 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | EFIS | EFIS | Garmin G1000H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 144 | 125 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $10,200,000 | $14,800,000 | $1,445,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 10 | 14 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 9 | 12 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 8 | 12 | 3 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | Green Interior | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2E | Arriel 2C2 | Arrius 2R |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 894 | 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 | 44.8 | 46.9 | 42.48 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 13 | 14.3 | 10.65 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36.1 | 41.1 | 37 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 166 | 235.2 | 137 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | 88.3 | 18 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | — | 6.51 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | — | 4.66 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | — | 2.75 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | — | 7.17 |