Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 407gxi vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Leonardo Aw119kx vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 500e
Across this group, the Airbus Helicopters H125, Bell 407GXi, and Leonardo AW119Kx sit in the light single‑engine utility class, typically offering the strongest all‑around capability. The H125 is widely regarded as the most rugged high‑and‑hot performer in the set, with a commonly quoted range around 340–350 nm and typical seating for 1 pilot plus up to 5–6 passengers depending on configuration. The Bell 407GXi is a premium light single with strong cruise and useful load, often cited around 330–360 nm range, usually arranged for 1 pilot plus up to 5–6 passengers. The AW119Kx is a higher‑power light single, frequently configured for 1 pilot plus up to 6–7 passengers, with typical range around 300–350 nm. The Bell 505 JetRanger X and MD Helicopters MD 500E are lighter, simpler light singles, generally with shorter legs and fewer seats; the 505 is commonly 1 pilot plus 4 passengers with roughly 280–310 nm range, while the MD 500E is often 1 pilot plus 3–4 passengers with roughly 200–300 nm range. The Leonardo SH09 is a newer light single in the same general bracket, targeting about 1 pilot plus up to 4–6 passengers and a range broadly in the ~250–350 nm class depending on final specification and fit.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | Bell 407GXi | Bell 505 JetRanger X | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119Kx | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 | MD Helicopters MD 500E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 4.43 | $ 3.53 | $ 6.76 | $4.48 | $ 2.95 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | 407GXi | 505 JetRanger X | AW119Kx | SH09 | MD 500E |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 337 | 306 | 515 | 430 | 258 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.84 | $0.56 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | — | 6 | 6 | 3 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2300 | 1500 | — | — | 1483 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 589 | $ 441 | $ 885 | $627 | $ 398 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H NXI | Garmin G1000H | Garmin G1000H | EFIS | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 133 | 125 | 131 | 140 | 135 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,225,000 | $1,445,000 | $3,850,000 | $3,500,000 | $ 2,750,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | — | — | — | 7 | — |
| Cabin | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | — | 6 | — | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 2 |
| Engine | ||||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | M250-C47E/4 | Arrius 2R | PT6B-37A | HTS 900 | 250-C20B |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 4000 | 4500 | 5500 | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 862 | 505 | 917 | 1020 | 420 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 127.8 | 84.85 | 160 | — | 64 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 46 | 32.3 | — | — | 35 |
| Dimensions | ||||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.4 | 42.48 | 42.5 | — | 30.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 10.2 | 10.65 | 11.9 | — | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35 | 37 | 35.5 | — | 26.4 |
| 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 | — | — | — |