Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Md Helicopters Md 530f
The Airbus Helicopters H125 and the MD Helicopters MD 530F sit in different light-helicopter niches. The H125 is a light single‑engine utility helicopter optimized for carrying people and loads in demanding “hot and high” conditions, commonly used for passenger transport, EMS support roles, utility work, and aerial services. The MD 530F is a light single‑engine helicopter typically positioned as a nimble, lower‑capacity platform for training, patrol, reconnaissance, and light utility missions, with a strong emphasis on agility and simplicity. In range, the H125 generally offers a longer typical mission range than the MD 530F, reflecting its larger fuel capacity and utility-focused design, though exact figures vary by configuration, reserves, and operating conditions. In passenger capacity, the H125 usually carries more: it is commonly configured for one pilot plus up to five or six passengers depending on interior and regulatory limits. The MD 530F is typically configured for one pilot plus three to four passengers, making it better suited to smaller teams and lighter cabin payloads.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | MD Helicopters MD 530F |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 3.59 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | MD 530F |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 216 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 3 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 1509 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 480 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $ 3,400,000 |
| 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-C30 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 650 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 64 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 35 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 32.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 27.5 |