Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Md Helicopters Md 530f
The Airbus H130 is typically positioned as a single‑engine light helicopter optimized for passenger comfort and tourism-style missions, offering the most usable cabin volume of this group and commonly seating around six to seven passengers depending on configuration; its range is generally in the mid‑500 km class, varying with reserves and load. The Airbus H135 is a light twin‑engine helicopter aimed at higher dispatch reliability for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate missions, usually configured for about five to seven passengers (or specialized medical interiors), with range commonly similar to or somewhat higher than the H130 in many fit-outs, often around the 600 km class. The Bell 505 JetRanger X is a modern single‑engine light helicopter focused on cost-effective training and utility, typically seating four to five, with range generally in the ~500–600 km class. The MD Helicopters MD 530F is a high‑hot capable single‑engine light/utility helicopter often used for external-load, patrol, or tactical roles; it typically carries four to five and has a range commonly around the ~400–500 km class, depending strongly on tanks and mission equipment.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | MD Helicopters MD 530F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 | $ 3.53 | $ 3.59 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 5 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | H135 | 505 JetRanger X | MD 530F |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 342 | 306 | 216 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | — | 3 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 3124 | 1500 | 1509 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 3 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 861 | $ 441 | $ 480 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | Garmin G1000H | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 136 | 125 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 | $1,445,000 | $ 3,400,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 5 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | — | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 3 | 2 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | Arrius 2R | 250-C30 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 660 | 505 | 650 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 84.85 | 64 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 32.3 | 35 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 33.5 | 42.48 | 32.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 12.6 | 10.65 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 34 | 37 | 27.5 |
| 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 | — |