Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Robinson Helicopters R66
In category, the Airbus H125 is a single‑engine light utility helicopter optimized for high/hot performance and external-load work, while the Airbus H145 is a twin‑engine light/medium helicopter oriented to EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport. The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger is a twin‑engine light/medium platform similar in mission space to the H145, with emphasis on cabin volume and IFR capability. The Bell 505 JetRanger X and Robinson R66 are single‑engine light helicopters, typically positioned for training, private/business use, and light utility missions, with the R66 generally offering more payload capability than the 505. For range, the H125 and R66 commonly fall in the mid‑range class for light singles, the Bell 505 is typically somewhat shorter-range, and the H145 and Bell 429 generally offer longer operational reach and more IFR-oriented mission flexibility due to twin-engine configurations and typical equipment fit. For passenger capacity, the Bell 505 is usually configured for about 4 passengers plus a pilot, the R66 commonly carries around 4–5 passengers plus a pilot, the H125 typically carries about 5–6 passengers plus a pilot, and the H145 and Bell 429 are often configured around 6–8 passengers plus one or two pilots depending on mission fit.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | Bell 505 JetRanger X | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 9.31 | $ 6.05 | $ 3.53 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Bell | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H145 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | 505 JetRanger X | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 352 | 381 | 306 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 9 | 6 | — | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 4200 | 2528 | 1500 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 1,210 | $ 931 | $ 441 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 154 | 125 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $10,200,000 | $7,700,000 | $1,445,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 9 | 6 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 | Arrius 2R | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 894 | 1100 | 505 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 216.9 | 84.85 | 73.6 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 76 | 32.3 | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 44.8 | 43 | 42.48 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 13 | 12.39 | 10.65 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36.1 | 36 | 37 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 166 | 130 | 137 | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | 74 | 18 | 18 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 26.37 | 6.51 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 5 | 4.66 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 4 | 2.75 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 6.58 | 7.17 | — |