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Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X

The Airbus Helicopters H125 and Bell 505 JetRanger X are both single‑engine light helicopters, typically used for training, utility work, patrol, and tourism, while the Airbus Helicopters H160 is a larger, twin‑engine medium helicopter aimed at offshore transport, corporate/VIP missions, and higher-end public service roles. In range, the H160 generally leads, offering the longest typical mission radius in this group thanks to greater fuel capacity and twin‑engine design optimized for longer legs. The H125 is commonly next, known for strong useful load and practical cross‑country capability for a single‑engine platform, while the Bell 505 usually has the shortest range of the three, reflecting its lighter weight and training/light utility focus. For passenger capacity, the H160 carries the most, typically configured for around a dozen occupants depending on layout. The H125 commonly seats a pilot plus about five passengers (with variations by configuration), and the Bell 505 is usually configured for a pilot plus four passengers.

SpecAIRBUS H125AIRBUS H160Bell 505 JetRanger X
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 3.53
Min Crew121
Total Seats6145
Flight RulesVFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersBell
Aircraft NameH125H160505 JetRanger X
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341460306
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.71
Max Cabin Seats512
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)218939921500
Standard Cabin Seats4123
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 441
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HEFISGarmin G1000H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136155125
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000$14,000,000$1,445,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew121
Total Seats6145
Max Cabin Seats512
Standard Cabin Seats4123
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Engine
FADECYesYesDual-Channel
ModelArriel 2DHE ArranoArrius 2R
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)500040004000
Horsepower847505
No. of Engines121
Fuel Capacity (gal)14384.85
Fuel Burn (gph)32.3
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.539.442.48
Overall Height (ft)1013.110.65
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.145.237
Width (ft)6.51
Cabin Width (ft)4.66
Cabin Height (ft)2.75
Cabin Length (ft)7.17
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)137
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)18