Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Md Helicopters Md 530f
The Airbus Helicopters H125 (AS350) and MD Helicopters MD 530F are best seen as light single‑engine utility helicopters, while the Airbus H145 and Leonardo AW109 Grand New are light twin‑engine aircraft aimed more at passenger transport, EMS, and corporate missions. In range, the H125 is typically strong for a single, often around 340–360 nautical miles depending on configuration, while the MD 530F is usually shorter, commonly in the roughly 230–300 nautical mile class. The AW109 Grand New and H145 generally offer similar or slightly better typical ranges than the single‑engine types in many cabin-focused configurations, often around 330–360 nautical miles, again varying with fuel, payload, and reserves. For passenger capacity, the MD 530F is usually limited, commonly seating about 4 passengers (plus pilot). The H125 typically carries about 5–6 passengers (plus pilot). The AW109 Grand New commonly seats about 6–7 passengers (plus one or two pilots) in executive layouts. The H145 usually offers the most cabin volume and seating flexibility, often around 7–8 passengers (plus crew).
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H145 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | MD Helicopters MD 530F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 9.31 | $ 7.31 | $ 3.59 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H145 | AW109 Grand New | MD 530F |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 352 | 464 | 216 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 9 | 6 | 3 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 4200 | — | 1509 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 8 | 6 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 1,210 | $ 1,140 | $ 480 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | EFIS | EFIS | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 156 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $10,200,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $ 3,400,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 9 | 6 | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 8 | 6 | 2 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2E | PW207C | 250-C30 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 894 | 735 | 650 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 152 | 64 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | — | 35 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 44.8 | 42.5 | 32.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 13 | 11.5 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36.1 | 35.5 | 27.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 166 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | — | — |