Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Md Helicopters Md 530f
Airbus Helicopters’ H125 sits in the single‑engine light utility category and is generally the most capable “workhorse” of the three. It typically carries the most people, commonly accommodating a pilot plus five to six passengers depending on configuration, and it also tends to offer the longest practical range for cross‑country utility missions, helped by flexible fuel options and strong hot‑and‑high performance. Bell’s 505 JetRanger X is a modern light single primarily positioned for training, personal, and light commercial use. Passenger capacity is usually a pilot plus four passengers (five seats total), placing it below many H125 layouts, and its range is solid for regional flying but generally not as long or as mission‑flexible as an H125 set up for utility operations. MD Helicopters’ MD 530F is a light single oriented toward high‑performance, agile operations (often public safety, utility, and specialized roles). It commonly seats a pilot plus four passengers, similar to the 505, and its range is typically comparable to other light singles but often comes in below an H125 in long‑leg utility configurations.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | MD Helicopters MD 530F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 3.53 | $ 3.59 |
| 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 530F |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 306 | 216 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | 3 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 1500 | 1509 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 441 | $ 480 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 125 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $1,445,000 | $ 3,400,000 |
| 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-C30 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 505 | 650 |
| 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 | 32.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 10.65 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 37 | 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 | — |