AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Robinson Helicopters R66

The Airbus Helicopters H125 is a light single-engine utility helicopter in the higher end of this group, typically configured for a pilot plus up to five or six passengers depending on seating layout, and it generally offers the longest practical range here (often around 330–350 nm, configuration dependent). The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is also a light single, positioned more toward training, patrol, and light utility; it usually carries a pilot plus up to four passengers and has a mid-pack range (roughly 300+ nm). The MD Helicopters MD 500E is a light single known for agility and mission flexibility; it commonly seats a pilot plus four passengers, with range typically in the high-200s to around 300 nm depending on tanks and load. The Robinson R66 is a light single aimed at private, training, and light commercial use; it generally carries a pilot plus four passengers and tends to have the shortest range among these four (often around 300 nm or slightly less, depending on configuration). Actual range varies notably with reserves, payload, altitude, and optional tanks.

SpecAIRBUS H125Bell 505 JetRanger XMD Helicopters MD 500EROBINSON R66
Summary
Cockpit2222
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 3.53$ 2.95$ 3.49
Min Crew1111
Total Seats6545
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellMD HelicotpersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft NameH125505 JetRanger XMD 500ER66
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341306258350
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.71$ 0.74$ 0.70
Max Cabin Seats53
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)2189150014831355
Standard Cabin Seats4323
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 441$ 398$ 384
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HGarmin G1000HGyro / AnalogGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136125135110
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000$1,445,000$ 2,750,000$ 920,000
Cabin
Cockpit2222
Min Crew1111
Total Seats6545
Max Cabin Seats53
Standard Cabin Seats4323
Engine
FADECYesDual-ChannelNoNo
ModelArriel 2DArrius 2R250-C20BRR300
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)5000400035002000
Horsepower847505420300
No. of Engines1111
Fuel Capacity (gal)14384.856473.6
Fuel Burn (gph)32.335
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.542.4830.938.3
Overall Height (ft)1010.658.711.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.13726.433
Width (ft)6.51
Cabin Width (ft)4.66
Cabin Height (ft)2.75
Cabin Length (ft)7.17
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)13750
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)1818