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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.

SpecAIRBUS H125MD Helicopters MD 530FROBINSON R66
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 3.59$ 3.49
Min Crew111
Total Seats645
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersMD HelicotpersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft NameH125MD 530FR66
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341216350
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.90$ 0.70
Max Cabin Seats53
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)218915091355
Standard Cabin Seats423
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 480$ 384
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HGarmin G500HGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136134110
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000$ 3,400,000$ 920,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats645
Max Cabin Seats53
Standard Cabin Seats423
Engine
FADECYesNoNo
ModelArriel 2D250-C30RR300
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)500020002000
Horsepower847650300
No. of Engines111
Fuel Capacity (gal)1436473.6
Fuel Burn (gph)35
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.532.238.3
Overall Height (ft)108.711.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.127.533
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)50
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)18