Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Bell 505 Jetranger X
The Airbus Helicopters H125 is a single‑engine light helicopter typically positioned in the utility and high‑performance “workhorse” category, often chosen for roles like aerial work, EMS support, and operations in hot‑and‑high environments. It generally offers a moderate range, commonly on the order of roughly 330–360 nautical miles depending on configuration, and it typically seats a pilot plus up to five passengers (about six total). The Bell 429 GlobalRanger is a twin‑engine light/intermediate helicopter aimed more at IFR-capable corporate transport, EMS, and law‑enforcement missions where redundancy and cabin volume matter. Its range is generally similar or somewhat higher than the others in many configurations (often around 390–410 nautical miles), and it commonly accommodates one or two pilots with up to five or six passengers, depending on layout. The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is a single‑engine light helicopter optimized for training, private/corporate use, and light utility work. Its range is typically around the low‑to‑mid 300 nautical mile range, and it usually carries a pilot plus up to four passengers (about five total).
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | Bell 505 JetRanger X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 6.29 | $ 3.53 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | 429 GlobalRanger | 505 JetRanger X |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 365 | 306 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.71 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2535 | 1500 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 931 | $ 441 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Bell BasiX-Pro | Garmin G1000H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 148 | 125 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $7,500,000 | $1,445,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 3 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel |
| Model | Arriel 2D | PW207D1 | Arrius 2R |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 1100 | 505 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 216.9 | 84.85 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | 32.3 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 43 | 42.48 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 13.25 | 10.65 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36 | 37 |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | 6.51 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | 4.66 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | 2.75 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | 7.17 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 130 | 137 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 74 | 18 |