Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Md Helicopters Md 530f vs Robinson Helicopters R66
The Airbus Helicopters H125 (AS350) and the MD Helicopters MD 530F are both light single‑engine turbine helicopters, while the Robinson R66 is also a light single‑engine turbine helicopter but positioned more toward cost‑efficient utility and owner-operator use. In passenger capacity, the H125 is typically configured for one pilot plus up to five passengers (six seats total), giving it the most cabin flexibility of the three. The MD 530F is commonly arranged for one pilot plus up to four passengers, though mission equipment can reduce usable seating. The R66 is generally one pilot plus four passengers (five seats total). For range, the H125 usually offers the longest legs in typical configurations (often in the ~330–400+ nautical mile class depending on tanks and reserves), the R66 tends to be mid-pack (often around ~300–350 nautical miles), and the MD 530F is commonly shorter (often around ~240–300 nautical miles), varying with fuel system and mission fit. Overall, the H125 emphasizes load and cabin capacity, the MD 530F emphasizes agility and mission adaptability, and the R66 emphasizes simplicity and operating economy.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | MD Helicopters MD 530F | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 3.59 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 4 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | MD Helicotpers | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | MD 530F | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 216 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.90 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 3 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 1509 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 480 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 134 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $ 3,400,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 4 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 3 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | No | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | 250-C30 | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 2000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 650 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 64 | 73.6 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 35 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 32.2 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 8.7 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 27.5 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 18 |