Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Enstrom Helicotper 480b G vs Md Helicopters Md 500e
The Airbus Helicopters H125 and the Enstrom 480B-G are both light single‑engine utility helicopters, while the MD Helicopters MD 500E is a lighter, high‑agility single‑engine helicopter often associated with training, patrol, and light utility roles. In passenger capacity, the H125 typically offers the most usable cabin volume and is commonly configured for one pilot plus up to five or six occupants depending on interior and mission fit, making it the strongest choice when carrying more people or mixed passengers and gear. The Enstrom 480B-G is generally arranged for one pilot plus four passengers, favoring comfort and stability over maximum seating. The MD 500E usually seats one pilot plus four passengers, with a more compact cabin than the H125. On range, all three are broadly comparable for local and regional missions, but the H125 often leads in practical mission radius due to common fuel/capability configurations, with typical figures roughly in the 300–350 nautical mile class, while the 480B-G and MD 500E more often fall around the 250–330 nautical mile class depending heavily on fuel tanks, payload, and reserves.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | MD Helicopters MD 500E |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 2.95 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | MD 500E |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 258 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 3 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 1483 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 398 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 135 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $ 2,750,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | 250-C20B |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 420 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 64 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 35 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 30.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 26.4 |