Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Bell 407gxi vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 500e

In category, the Airbus Helicopters H130, Bell 407GXi, Leonardo SH09, and MD Helicopters MD 500E are all light single‑engine helicopters, typically used for tourism, utility, training, and light corporate missions. The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger is the outlier as a light twin‑engine helicopter, generally positioned for higher IFR capability, EMS, offshore support, and more demanding public‑service roles. In passenger capacity, the H130 is usually configured to carry a pilot plus up to six passengers, making it one of the more spacious singles. The Bell 407GXi commonly carries a pilot plus five to six passengers depending on layout. The Bell 429 typically carries one to two pilots plus up to six to seven passengers (or a medical interior), benefiting from its larger cabin. The Leonardo SH09 is generally aimed at a pilot plus up to six passengers. The MD 500E is smaller, commonly a pilot plus four passengers. In range, the H130 and 407GXi are broadly similar “mid‑range” singles (often roughly in the 300–350 nm class, configuration dependent). The Bell 429 is often comparable or slightly better depending on tanks and mission fit. The SH09 is expected to be in the same general light‑single range bracket, while the MD 500E is typically shorter‑legged than the newer cabin singles.