Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii
The Airbus Helicopters H125 sits in the light single-engine utility category and is generally the most capable of the three for lifting and high/hot operations. It typically carries one pilot plus up to five passengers (about six seats total), and it offers the longest practical range in this comparison, commonly on the order of roughly 330–400+ nautical miles depending on fuel fit and mission profile. The Bell 505 JetRanger X is a modern light single-engine turbine positioned more toward training, tourism, and corporate/light utility work. It is usually configured for one pilot plus four passengers (about five seats total). Its typical range is mid-pack, often around roughly 300–360 nautical miles, varying with reserves and configuration. The Robinson R44 Raven II is a light single-engine piston helicopter aimed at private, training, and cost-sensitive utility roles. It generally seats one pilot plus three passengers (about four seats total). Its typical range is comparable but often a bit lower than the turbine singles, roughly around 300–350 nautical miles depending on power setting and conditions.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | ROBINSON R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 3.53 | $ 2.36 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | 505 JetRanger X | R44 Raven II |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 306 | 300 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.59 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 1500 | 995 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 441 | $ 257 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 125 | 109 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $1,445,000 | $ 490,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2R | IO-540 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 2200 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 505 | 245 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 84.85 | 29.5 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 32.3 | — |
| TBO (yrs) | — | — | 12 |
| Fuel Delivery | — | — | Fuel Injected |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 42.48 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 10.65 | 10.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 37 | 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 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 18 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 2.5 |