AIR.ONE

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.

SpecAIRBUS H125Bell 505 JetRanger XROBINSON R44 Raven II
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 3.53$ 2.36
Min Crew11
Total Seats654
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft NameH125505 JetRanger XR44 Raven II
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341306300
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.71$ 0.59
Max Cabin Seats5
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)21891500995
Standard Cabin Seats43
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 441$ 257
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HGarmin G1000HGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136125109
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000$1,445,000$ 490,000
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats654
Max Cabin Seats5
Standard Cabin Seats43
Engine
FADECYesDual-ChannelNo
ModelArriel 2DArrius 2RIO-540
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelAvGas
TBO (hrs)500040002200
Horsepower847505245
No. of Engines111
Fuel Capacity (gal)14384.8529.5
Fuel Burn (gph)32.3
TBO (yrs)12
Fuel DeliveryFuel Injected
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.542.4838.3
Overall Height (ft)1010.6510.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.13733
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