Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Md Helicopters Md 530f
The Airbus Helicopters H125 is a light single‑engine utility helicopter, commonly used for training, patrol, and high‑altitude work. It typically carries about 1 pilot plus up to 5 passengers (depending on configuration) and offers a moderate range on the order of roughly 330–350 nautical miles, making it well suited to short‑to‑medium missions with good payload flexibility for its class. The Airbus Helicopters H145 is a light twin‑engine helicopter positioned a step up in capability, often selected for EMS, offshore support, and corporate transport where redundancy and cabin volume matter. It commonly seats 1–2 pilots with up to about 8–9 passengers, and its range is broadly similar to the H125—often around 330–350 nautical miles—though real‑world mission equipment and reserves can change that. The MD Helicopters MD 530F is a light single‑engine helicopter optimized for agility, observation, and light utility roles. Passenger capacity is typically smaller, often 1 pilot plus about 4 passengers, and range is generally shorter than the two Airbus models, commonly around 240–260 nautical miles.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H145 | MD Helicopters MD 530F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 9.31 | $ 3.59 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 10 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H145 | MD 530F |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 352 | 216 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 9 | 3 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 4200 | 1509 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 8 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 1,210 | $ 480 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | EFIS | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $10,200,000 | $ 3,400,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 10 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 9 | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 8 | 2 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2E | 250-C30 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 894 | 650 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 64 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 35 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 44.8 | 32.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 13 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36.1 | 27.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 166 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | — |