Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Bell 505 Jetranger X
Airbus Helicopters’ H125 and Bell’s 505 JetRanger X are light single‑engine helicopters, typically chosen for utility, training, patrol, and entry‑level charter. The H125 generally offers the longest practical range of this group and the strongest hot‑and‑high capability, with typical seating around five to six passengers plus a pilot depending on configuration. The Bell 505 is positioned as a simpler, lower‑capacity light single, usually carrying four passengers plus a pilot and offering a shorter range than the H125. Bell’s 429 GlobalRanger and Airbus’ H160 are larger twin‑engine aircraft aimed at higher‑end passenger transport, EMS, and offshore or corporate missions where redundancy and comfort matter. The Bell 429 is a light twin commonly configured for six to seven passengers plus pilots and provides solid medium‑range capability. The H160 is a medium twin and generally the most spacious and premium option here, often seating about eight to ten passengers in typical layouts and offering longer range than the 429, while also emphasizing lower noise and advanced avionics.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H160 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | Bell 505 JetRanger X |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | — | $ 6.29 | $ 3.53 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 14 | 8 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H160 | 429 GlobalRanger | 505 JetRanger X |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 460 | 365 | 306 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | — | $ 0.79 | $ 0.71 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 12 | 6 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 3992 | 2535 | 1500 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 12 | 6 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | — | $ 931 | $ 441 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | Garmin G1000H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 155 | 148 | 125 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $14,000,000 | $7,500,000 | $1,445,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 14 | 8 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 12 | 6 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 12 | 6 | 3 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel |
| Model | Arriel 2D | HE Arrano | PW207D1 | Arrius 2R |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | — | 1100 | 505 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 216.9 | 84.85 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 76 | 32.3 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 39.4 | 43 | 42.48 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 13.1 | 13.25 | 10.65 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 45.2 | 36 | 37 |
| 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 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 130 | 137 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 74 | 18 |