AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Md Helicopters Md 500e

In category terms, the Airbus Helicopters H125 is a light single‑engine utility helicopter commonly used for work roles such as aerial lift, EMS support, law enforcement, and operations at higher altitudes and in hot conditions. The Bell 505 JetRanger X is also a light single‑engine helicopter, positioned more toward training, personal/corporate use, and light utility missions, emphasizing modern avionics and low operating complexity. The MD Helicopters MD 500E is a light single‑engine helicopter known for agile handling and performance in roles like observation, patrol, and light utility work. For range, the H125 generally offers the longest practical endurance and mission flexibility among the three, with the Bell 505 typically in the middle, and the MD 500E often somewhat shorter depending on configuration and reserves. For passenger capacity, all three are commonly configured for one pilot plus up to four passengers (five seats total), though exact usable seating and payload can vary significantly with equipment, fuel load, and mission profile.

SpecAIRBUS H125Bell 505 JetRanger XMD Helicopters MD 500E
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 3.53$ 2.95
Min Crew111
Total Seats654
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH125505 JetRanger XMD 500E
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341306258
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.71$ 0.74
Max Cabin Seats53
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)218915001483
Standard Cabin Seats432
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 441$ 398
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HGarmin G1000HGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136125135
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000$1,445,000$ 2,750,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats654
Max Cabin Seats53
Standard Cabin Seats432
Engine
FADECYesDual-ChannelNo
ModelArriel 2DArrius 2R250-C20B
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)500040003500
Horsepower847505420
No. of Engines111
Fuel Capacity (gal)14384.8564
Fuel Burn (gph)32.335
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.542.4830.9
Overall Height (ft)1010.658.7
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.13726.4
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