Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 407gxi vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Leonardo Aw119kx vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 530f
By category, the Airbus H125, Bell 407GXi, Leonardo AW119Kx, and MD 530F are high-performance single‑engine light utility helicopters commonly used for EMS support, law enforcement, utility, and demanding “hot-and-high” work (especially the H125 and 530F). The Bell 505 and MD 500E sit in the lighter end of the single‑engine market, often positioned as entry/light utility and training-capable platforms. The Leonardo SH09 is a newer-generation single‑engine light helicopter aimed at the same broad light utility segment. On range, the H125 and 407GXi generally offer the strongest practical cross-country capability in this group, with the AW119Kx and MD 530F typically close behind depending on tanks and mission fit. The Bell 505 and MD 500E usually trend shorter-range than the larger light singles. The SH09 is expected to be competitive with mainstream light singles, but real-world range varies with final configuration. On passenger capacity, most of these aircraft are typically configured for one or two pilots plus four to six passengers. The 407GXi, H125, AW119Kx, and SH09 commonly sit at the upper end of that band, while the Bell 505, MD 500E, and MD 530F more often land in the mid range, depending on interior and mission equipment.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | Bell 407GXi | Bell 505 JetRanger X | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119Kx | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 | MD Helicopters MD 500E | MD Helicopters MD 530F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 4.43 | $ 3.53 | $ 6.76 | $4.48 | $ 2.95 | $ 3.59 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | 407GXi | 505 JetRanger X | AW119Kx | SH09 | MD 500E | MD 530F |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 337 | 306 | 515 | 430 | 258 | 216 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.84 | $0.56 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | — | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2300 | 1500 | — | — | 1483 | 1509 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 589 | $ 441 | $ 885 | $627 | $ 398 | $ 480 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H NXI | Garmin G1000H | Garmin G1000H | EFIS | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 133 | 125 | 131 | 140 | 135 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,225,000 | $1,445,000 | $3,850,000 | $3,500,000 | $ 2,750,000 | $ 3,400,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | — | — | — | 7 | — | — |
| Cabin | |||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | — | 6 | — | 3 | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| Engine | |||||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | M250-C47E/4 | Arrius 2R | PT6B-37A | HTS 900 | 250-C20B | 250-C30 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 4000 | 4500 | 5500 | 3500 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 862 | 505 | 917 | 1020 | 420 | 650 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 127.8 | 84.85 | 160 | — | 64 | 64 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 46 | 32.3 | — | — | 35 | 35 |
| Dimensions | |||||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.4 | 42.48 | 42.5 | — | 30.9 | 32.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 10.2 | 10.65 | 11.9 | — | 8.7 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35 | 37 | 35.5 | — | 26.4 | 27.5 |
| 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 | — | — | — | — |