Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 407gxi vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New
In category, the Airbus Helicopters H125 and Bell 407GXi are single‑engine light utility helicopters, generally favored for high/hot performance, external load work, and flexible mission equipment. The Bell 505 JetRanger X is also single‑engine but sits a step lighter, aimed more at training, private, and light commercial roles. The Leonardo AW109 Grand New is a twin‑engine light/medium helicopter positioned as a faster, higher‑end transport platform with greater redundancy and typical corporate/EMS appeal. For range, the AW109 Grand New typically leads, reflecting its higher cruise speed and transport focus, while the H125 and 407GXi are broadly comparable and commonly configured for solid mid‑range missions; the 505 generally offers somewhat shorter legs than the larger single‑engine competitors, depending on fuel and payload choices. Passenger capacity follows a similar pattern: the Bell 505 is usually configured for a pilot plus up to four passengers, the H125 and Bell 407GXi commonly seat a pilot plus five (with variants depending on interiors and equipment), and the AW109 Grand New typically carries one or two pilots plus six to seven passengers, depending on layout.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | Bell 407GXi | Bell 505 JetRanger X | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 4.43 | $ 3.53 | $ 7.31 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 5 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | 407GXi | 505 JetRanger X | AW109 Grand New |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 337 | 306 | 464 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.91 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | — | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2300 | 1500 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 5 | 3 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 589 | $ 441 | $ 1,140 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H NXI | Garmin G1000H | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 133 | 125 | 156 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,225,000 | $1,445,000 | $ 7,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 5 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | — | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 5 | 3 | 6 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | M250-C47E/4 | Arrius 2R | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 862 | 505 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 127.8 | 84.85 | 152 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 46 | 32.3 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.4 | 42.48 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 10.2 | 10.65 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35 | 37 | 35.5 |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.4 | 6.51 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | 4.66 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 3.9 | 2.75 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 125 | 137 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 16 | 18 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 7.17 | — |