Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X
All three are light single/twin helicopters commonly used for training, sightseeing, and utility work, but they differ notably in category, range, and passenger capacity. The Airbus H130 is a light single‑engine helicopter optimized for passenger comfort and tour operations; it typically carries one pilot plus up to six passengers (up to seven seats total, depending on configuration) and offers a generally moderate range suited to regional missions. The Airbus H135 is a light twin‑engine helicopter aimed at higher performance and redundancy for roles like EMS and corporate transport; it usually seats one or two pilots plus about five to six passengers (commonly six to seven seats total) and tends to provide similar or somewhat greater practical mission range, with the twin‑engine category often favored where added safety margins are desired. The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is a light single‑engine helicopter positioned between basic trainers and larger singles; it typically carries one pilot plus up to four passengers (five seats total) and has a range broadly comparable to other light singles, generally adequate for short‑to‑medium regional flights rather than long cross‑country legs.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 505 JetRanger X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 | $ 3.53 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | H135 | 505 JetRanger X |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 342 | 306 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.71 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 3124 | 1500 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 861 | $ 441 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | Garmin G1000H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 136 | 125 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 | $1,445,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 3 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | Arrius 2R |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 660 | 505 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 84.85 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 32.3 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 33.5 | 42.48 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 12.6 | 10.65 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 34 | 37 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 | 137 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 6.51 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 4.66 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 2.75 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 7.17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 18 |