Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker
The Airbus Helicopters H125 is a single‑engine light utility helicopter typically used for work missions and high‑altitude operations; it generally offers the longest practical reach among the two single‑engine options here, with range commonly in the roughly 330–350 nautical mile class depending on fuel fit and reserves. Passenger capacity is usually one pilot plus up to five or six occupants, depending on configuration and weight. The Bell 505 JetRanger X is also a single‑engine light helicopter aimed at training, private, and light commercial use. It is usually categorized slightly lighter and simpler than the H125, with range commonly around the low‑to‑mid 300 nautical mile class, and a typical capacity of one pilot plus four passengers. The Leonardo AW109 Trekker sits in a higher category as a light twin‑engine helicopter optimized for speed, redundancy, and premium transport. It generally carries more people than the others, often one or two pilots plus six to seven passengers, while offering range typically in the mid‑400 nautical mile class depending on options.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 3.53 | $ 7.40 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | 505 JetRanger X | AW109 Trekker |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 306 | 450 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.93 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 1500 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 441 | $ 1,125 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H | Genesys Aerosystems |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 125 | 152 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $1,445,000 | $6,950,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2R | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 505 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 84.85 | 152 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 32.3 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 42.48 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 10.65 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 37 | 35.5 |
| 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 | — |