Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Leonardo Aw119kx vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 530f vs Robinson Helicopters R66
All five are light single‑engine helicopters, but they span different missions and performance. In category and role, the Airbus H125 and MD Helicopters MD 530F are utility-oriented light singles commonly used for mountain work, external load, and demanding conditions; the H125 is generally the most capable “workhorse” of the group. The Leonardo AW119Kx is a larger, higher-end light single positioned for corporate/VIP and utility, typically offering strong cruise performance and cabin comfort. The Robinson R66 targets the entry-to-mid light turbine market with a simpler, cost-focused design aimed at private, training, and light commercial use. The Leonardo SH09 is a newer light single concept aimed at modernizing the segment, with final in-service performance depending on certification and configuration. For range, the H125 and AW119Kx typically sit at the higher end among current mainstream offerings, the R66 is mid-pack, and the MD 530F is often shorter-range depending on tanks and mission fit; SH09 is expected to be competitive but varies by final spec. For passenger capacity, H125 and AW119Kx commonly seat a pilot plus up to six or seven, while R66 and MD 530F are usually around a pilot plus four.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119Kx | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 | MD Helicopters MD 530F | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 6.76 | $4.48 | $ 3.59 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | AW119Kx | SH09 | MD 530F | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 515 | 430 | 216 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.84 | $0.56 | $ 0.90 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 6 | 3 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | — | — | 1509 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 885 | $627 | $ 480 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H | EFIS | Garmin G500H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 131 | 140 | 134 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,850,000 | $3,500,000 | $ 3,400,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | — | 7 | — | — |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | — | 3 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | PT6B-37A | HTS 900 | 250-C30 | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4500 | 5500 | 2000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 917 | 1020 | 650 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 160 | — | 64 | 73.6 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | — | 35 | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 42.5 | — | 32.2 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.9 | — | 8.7 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35.5 | — | 27.5 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | — | — | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | — | — | 18 |