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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | MD Helicopters MD 500E |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 3.53 | $ 2.95 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | 505 JetRanger X | MD 500E |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 306 | 258 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | 3 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 1500 | 1483 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 441 | $ 398 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 125 | 135 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $1,445,000 | $ 2,750,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2R | 250-C20B |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 505 | 420 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 84.85 | 64 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 32.3 | 35 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 42.48 | 30.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 10.65 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 37 | 26.4 |
| 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 | — |