Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Enstrom Helicotper 480b G vs Robinson Helicopters R66
In category terms, the Airbus Helicopters H125 and Enstrom 480B‑G are light single‑engine utility helicopters, typically positioned for higher useful load and demanding external‑load or public‑service work, while the Bell 505 JetRanger X is a modern light single aimed at training, touring, and general utility. The Robinson R66 is a light turbine helicopter often used for cost‑conscious passenger transport, training, and utility missions, generally sitting between basic trainers and heavier utility singles. On range, the H125 and R66 typically offer the longer practical legs among this group, commonly in the roughly 300–350+ nautical mile class depending on fuel configuration and reserves, while the Bell 505 is usually somewhat shorter but still broadly comparable for regional missions. The Enstrom 480B‑G tends to be competitive for typical utility or patrol legs but is often cited with slightly lower maximum range than the longest‑leg configurations of the H125 or R66, depending on tanks and payload. For passenger capacity, the H125 is commonly configured for one pilot plus up to five or six passengers, the Bell 505 for one pilot plus up to four passengers, and both the Enstrom 480B‑G and Robinson R66 are typically one pilot plus four passengers.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 3.53 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | 505 JetRanger X | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 306 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 1500 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 441 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 125 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $1,445,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2R | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 505 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 84.85 | 73.6 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 32.3 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 42.48 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 10.65 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 37 | 33 |
| Width (ft) | — | 6.51 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 4.66 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 2.75 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 7.17 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 137 | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 18 | 18 |