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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | MD Helicopters MD 500E | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 3.53 | $ 2.95 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | MD Helicotpers | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | 505 JetRanger X | MD 500E | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 306 | 258 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | 3 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 1500 | 1483 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 441 | $ 398 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 125 | 135 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $1,445,000 | $ 2,750,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | 3 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | No | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2R | 250-C20B | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 3500 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 505 | 420 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 84.85 | 64 | 73.6 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 32.3 | 35 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 42.48 | 30.9 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 10.65 | 8.7 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 37 | 26.4 | 33 |
| Width (ft) | — | 6.51 | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 4.66 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 2.75 | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 7.17 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 137 | — | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 18 | — | 18 |