Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 530f
In category, the Airbus Helicopters H125 and MD Helicopters MD 530F sit in the light single‑engine utility/performance class, commonly chosen for demanding work such as high/hot operations and external‑load roles. The MD 500E is also a light single‑engine turbine helicopter but is typically positioned more toward agile utility and law‑enforcement style missions. The Bell 505 JetRanger X is a light single‑engine turbine oriented strongly toward training, personal/corporate use, and light utility. On range, the H125 and Bell 505 generally offer similar, mid‑300‑nautical‑mile class range in typical configurations, while the MD 500E is often somewhat lower depending on tanks and mission fit. The MD 530F is commonly comparable to or slightly below the H125/505 in standard form, with real‑world range varying significantly with fuel options and payload. For passenger capacity, the H125 usually offers the most seating, commonly configured for up to about six passengers plus a pilot. The Bell 505 typically carries around four passengers plus a pilot. The MD 500E and MD 530F are commonly arranged for about four passengers plus a pilot, with interior layouts varying by mission.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | MD Helicopters MD 500E | MD Helicopters MD 530F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 3.53 | $ 2.95 | $ 3.59 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | 505 JetRanger X | MD 500E | MD 530F |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 306 | 258 | 216 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | 3 | 3 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 1500 | 1483 | 1509 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 441 | $ 398 | $ 480 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 125 | 135 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $1,445,000 | $ 2,750,000 | $ 3,400,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | 3 | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | No | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2R | 250-C20B | 250-C30 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 3500 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 505 | 420 | 650 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 84.85 | 64 | 64 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 32.3 | 35 | 35 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 42.48 | 30.9 | 32.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 10.65 | 8.7 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 37 | 26.4 | 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 | — | — |