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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H160 | Bell 505 JetRanger X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | — | $ 3.53 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 14 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H160 | 505 JetRanger X |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 460 | 306 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | — | $ 0.71 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 12 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 3992 | 1500 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 12 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | — | $ 441 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | EFIS | Garmin G1000H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 155 | 125 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $14,000,000 | $1,445,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 14 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 12 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 12 | 3 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel |
| Model | Arriel 2D | HE Arrano | Arrius 2R |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | — | 505 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 84.85 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 32.3 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 39.4 | 42.48 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 13.1 | 10.65 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 45.2 | 37 |
| 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 |