Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker vs Robinson Helicopters R66 Newscopter
By category, the Airbus Helicopters H125 and Robinson R66 Newscopter are single‑engine light utility helicopters, with the H125 typically positioned as the more rugged, higher‑performance workhorse for lift and hot‑and‑high operations, while the R66 is often favored for simpler utility and aerial news/observation roles. The Bell 505 JetRanger X is also a single‑engine light helicopter, generally oriented toward training, private/corporate use, and light utility with modern avionics and a smaller overall footprint than the H125. The Leonardo AW109 Trekker sits in a higher category as a light twin‑engine helicopter, aimed at faster, more premium transport and missions where twin‑engine redundancy is preferred. In range, the AW109 Trekker typically leads, followed by the H125, then the Bell 505, with the R66 generally in a similar light‑single band but often lower depending on configuration and reserves. For passenger capacity, the AW109 Trekker usually carries the most (typically up to around 6–7 passengers), the H125 commonly seats about 5–6 passengers, and both the Bell 505 and R66 are generally in the 4–5 passenger range.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker | ROBINSON R66 Newscopter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 3.53 | $ 7.40 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | 505 JetRanger X | AW109 Trekker | R66 Newscopter |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 306 | 450 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | 6 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 1500 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 441 | $ 1,125 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H | Genesys Aerosystems | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 125 | 152 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $1,445,000 | $6,950,000 | $ 1,360,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | 6 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2R | PW207C | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 505 | 735 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 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 | — | — |