Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 530f
The Airbus H125 and MD 500E/MD 530F are primarily light single‑engine helicopters, typically chosen for utility, training, patrol, and aerial work. The H125 generally offers the most practical single‑engine cabin and lifting capability in this group, with a typical passenger load around five to six (plus pilot) and a mid‑range mission profile broadly in the ~300–350 nm class depending on configuration. The MD 500E and MD 530F are smaller, lighter singles, usually carrying about four passengers (plus pilot) with similar or somewhat shorter real‑world ranges, often around ~200–300 nm. The Airbus H145 and Leonardo AW109 GrandNew are light twin‑engine helicopters aimed more at IFR/EMS, corporate transport, and higher dispatch reliability. The H145 is typically the capacity leader here, commonly configured for seven to eight passengers (plus crew) with range often around ~300–350 nm. The AW109 GrandNew is usually set up for six to seven passengers (plus pilot(s)) and tends to emphasize speed, with range commonly in the ~400 nm class depending on tanks and fit.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H145 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | MD Helicopters MD 500E | MD Helicopters MD 530F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 9.31 | $ 7.31 | $ 2.95 | $ 3.59 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 10 | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H145 | AW109 Grand New | MD 500E | MD 530F |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 352 | 464 | 258 | 216 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 4200 | — | 1483 | 1509 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 1,210 | $ 1,140 | $ 398 | $ 480 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | EFIS | EFIS | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 156 | 135 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $10,200,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $ 2,750,000 | $ 3,400,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 10 | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2E | PW207C | 250-C20B | 250-C30 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 3500 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 894 | 735 | 420 | 650 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 152 | 64 | 64 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | — | 35 | 35 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 44.8 | 42.5 | 30.9 | 32.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 13 | 11.5 | 8.7 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36.1 | 35.5 | 26.4 | 27.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 166 | — | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | — | — | — |