Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 530f
In category terms, the Airbus Helicopters H130 is a single‑engine light utility/tour helicopter, while the Airbus H135 is a twin‑engine light helicopter commonly configured for EMS, corporate, and law‑enforcement roles. The MD Helicopters MD 500E is a light single‑engine helicopter optimized for agility and utility/missions, and the MD 530F is a higher‑hot‑and‑high‑capable evolution of the 500/530 line, also single‑engine and oriented toward utility and light mission work. For range, the H135 generally offers the longest practical range among these four in typical configurations, with the H130 usually close behind; both tend to provide longer legs than the MD 500E and MD 530F, whose ranges are typically shorter to mid‑pack depending on tanks and mission fit. For passenger capacity, the H130 is usually the leader, commonly seating a pilot plus up to six passengers. The H135 typically carries a pilot (or two) plus about five to six passengers depending on interior and mission equipment. The MD 500E and MD 530F are smaller cabins, commonly accommodating a pilot plus about four passengers, with layouts varying by mission.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 | MD Helicopters MD 500E | MD Helicopters MD 530F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 | $ 2.95 | $ 3.59 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 4 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | H135 | MD 500E | MD 530F |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 342 | 258 | 216 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 3 | 3 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 3124 | 1483 | 1509 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 2 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 861 | $ 398 | $ 480 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 136 | 135 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 | $ 2,750,000 | $ 3,400,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 4 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 3 | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 2 | 2 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | 250-C20B | 250-C30 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 3500 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 660 | 420 | 650 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 64 | 64 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 35 | 35 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 33.5 | 30.9 | 32.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 12.6 | 8.7 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 34 | 26.4 | 27.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 | — | — |