Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker vs Md Helicopters Md 530f
By category, the Airbus Helicopters H125 and MD Helicopters MD 530F are best viewed as light single‑engine utility helicopters, with the H125 typically favored for higher useful load and high/hot performance, while the MD 530F is commonly configured for lighter utility and specialized roles. The Bell 505 JetRanger X sits in the light single‑engine class as well, oriented toward training, private, and light commercial missions with modern avionics and generally modest payload. The Leonardo AW109 Grand New and AW109 Trekker are light twin‑engine helicopters, positioned more toward executive transport and higher-speed, higher-comfort missions; the Grand New is the more premium, cabin-focused variant, while the Trekker is aimed at versatility and lower operating cost. On range, the AW109 variants typically lead among this group, with the H125 often close behind depending on tank fit and mission profile; the Bell 505 and MD 530F generally fall into shorter-to-mid range brackets. For passenger capacity, the H125 commonly seats around 5–6 passengers plus pilot, the Bell 505 about 4 passengers plus pilot, the MD 530F typically around 4 passengers plus pilot, and the AW109 Grand New/Trekker usually accommodate about 6–7 passengers plus one or two pilots depending on configuration.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker | MD Helicopters MD 530F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 3.53 | $ 7.31 | $ 7.40 | $ 3.59 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | 505 JetRanger X | AW109 Grand New | AW109 Trekker | MD 530F |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 306 | 464 | 450 | 216 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | 6 | 6 | 3 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 1500 | — | — | 1509 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 441 | $ 1,140 | $ 1,125 | $ 480 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H | EFIS | Genesys Aerosystems | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 125 | 156 | 152 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $1,445,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $6,950,000 | $ 3,400,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | 6 | 6 | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 2 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2R | PW207C | PW207C | 250-C30 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 505 | 735 | 735 | 650 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 84.85 | 152 | 152 | 64 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 32.3 | — | — | 35 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 42.48 | 42.5 | 42.5 | 32.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 10.65 | 11.5 | 11.5 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 37 | 35.5 | 35.5 | 27.5 |
| Width (ft) | — | 6.51 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 4.66 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 2.75 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 7.17 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 137 | — | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 18 | — | — | — |