Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X
The Airbus Helicopters H125 is a single‑engine light utility helicopter best suited to high‑and‑hot operations, external load work, and general commercial missions. It typically carries one pilot plus up to five or six passengers depending on configuration, and offers a medium class range that is generally in the 330–350 nautical mile (610–650 km) bracket with standard tanks. The Airbus Helicopters H145 is a twin‑engine light/medium helicopter positioned for higher‑end passenger transport, EMS, law enforcement, and offshore or IFR‑capable missions where redundancy and cabin volume matter. It commonly seats one or two pilots with up to eight or nine passengers in a high‑density layout, and its typical range is similar to or somewhat higher than the H125, often around 340–360 nautical miles (630–670 km) depending on variant and fit. The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is a single‑engine light helicopter aimed at training, private/corporate use, and light utility work. It generally carries one pilot plus up to four passengers, with a typical range around 300–310 nautical miles (555–575 km).
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 505 JetRanger X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 9.31 | $ 3.53 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 10 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H145 | 505 JetRanger X |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 352 | 306 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.71 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 9 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 4200 | 1500 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 8 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 1,210 | $ 441 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | EFIS | Garmin G1000H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 125 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $10,200,000 | $1,445,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 10 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 9 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 8 | 3 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2E | Arrius 2R |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 894 | 505 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 84.85 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 32.3 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 44.8 | 42.48 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 13 | 10.65 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36.1 | 37 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 166 | 137 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | 18 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 6.51 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 4.66 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 2.75 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 7.17 |