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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.

SpecAIRBUS H125Bell 505 JetRanger XMD Helicopters MD 500EMD Helicopters MD 530F
Summary
Cockpit2222
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 3.53$ 2.95$ 3.59
Min Crew1111
Total Seats6544
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellMD HelicotpersMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH125505 JetRanger XMD 500EMD 530F
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341306258216
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.71$ 0.74$ 0.90
Max Cabin Seats533
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)2189150014831509
Standard Cabin Seats4322
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 441$ 398$ 480
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HGarmin G1000HGyro / AnalogGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136125135134
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000$1,445,000$ 2,750,000$ 3,400,000
Cabin
Cockpit2222
Min Crew1111
Total Seats6544
Max Cabin Seats533
Standard Cabin Seats4322
Engine
FADECYesDual-ChannelNoNo
ModelArriel 2DArrius 2R250-C20B250-C30
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)5000400035002000
Horsepower847505420650
No. of Engines1111
Fuel Capacity (gal)14384.856464
Fuel Burn (gph)32.33535
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.542.4830.932.2
Overall Height (ft)1010.658.78.7
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.13726.427.5
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