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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.

SpecAIRBUS H130AIRBUS H135MD Helicopters MD 500EMD Helicopters MD 530F
Summary
Cockpit3222
DOC / nm$ 5.00$ 6.33$ 2.95$ 3.59
Min Crew1111
Total Seats7944
Flight RulesVFRIFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersMD HelicotpersMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH130H135MD 500EMD 530F
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)333342258216
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.71$ 0.79$ 0.74$ 0.90
Max Cabin Seats5733
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)2299312414831509
Standard Cabin Seats4722
Direct Operating Cost$ 640$ 861$ 398$ 480
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HHelionixGyro / AnalogGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)128136135134
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,450,000$6,150,000$ 2,750,000$ 3,400,000
Cabin
Cockpit3222
Min Crew1111
Total Seats7944
Max Cabin Seats5733
Standard Cabin Seats4722
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Engine
FADECYesYesNoNo
ModelArriel 2DArrius 2B2+250-C20B250-C30
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)5000400035002000
Horsepower952660420650
No. of Engines1211
Fuel Capacity (gal)1436464
Fuel Burn (gph)3535
Dimensions
Length (ft)41.533.530.932.2
Overall Height (ft)11.112.68.78.7
Rotor Diameter (ft)35.13426.427.5
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173