AIR.ONE

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.

SpecAIRBUS H125AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119KxAGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09MD Helicopters MD 530FROBINSON R66
Summary
Cockpit22222
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 6.76$4.48$ 3.59$ 3.49
Min Crew11111
Total Seats68845
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoLeonardoMD HelicotpersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft NameH125AW119KxSH09MD 530FR66
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAIn-DevelopmentFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341515430216350
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.84$0.56$ 0.90$ 0.70
Max Cabin Seats5663
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)218915091355
Standard Cabin Seats46623
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 885$627$ 480$ 384
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HGarmin G1000HEFISGarmin G500HGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136131140134110
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000 $3,850,000 $3,500,000$ 3,400,000$ 920,000
Max Passengers7
Cabin
Cockpit22222
Min Crew11111
Total Seats68845
Max Cabin Seats563
Standard Cabin Seats46623
Engine
FADECYesYesYesNoNo
ModelArriel 2DPT6B-37AHTS 900250-C30RR300
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)50004500550020002000
Horsepower8479171020650300
No. of Engines11111
Fuel Capacity (gal)1431606473.6
Fuel Burn (gph)35
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.542.532.238.3
Overall Height (ft)1011.98.711.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.135.527.533
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)50
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)18