Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Robinson Helicopters R66
The Airbus Helicopters H130 is a light single‑engine helicopter typically positioned toward the higher end of the “light” category, often used for passenger transport, tourism, and utility work where cabin comfort and low noise are priorities. It generally offers the greatest passenger capacity of the three, commonly seating a pilot plus up to six passengers, and it also tends to provide the longest practical range in typical configurations. The Bell 505 JetRanger X is also a light single‑engine helicopter, aimed at training, private/corporate use, and light utility missions. Passenger capacity is usually lower than the H130, commonly a pilot plus up to four passengers, with a mid‑pack range that is generally competitive but typically not as strong as the H130’s. The Robinson R66 is a light single‑engine helicopter often favored for owner‑operators, training, and utility roles with relatively straightforward operating economics. It usually seats a pilot plus up to four passengers, similar to the Bell 505, and its range is generally comparable to the 505, often depending strongly on fuel reserves and mission profile.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 3.53 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 5 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | 505 JetRanger X | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 306 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 1500 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 441 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 125 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $1,445,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 5 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2R | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 505 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 84.85 | 73.6 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 32.3 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 42.48 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 10.65 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 37 | 33 |
| Width (ft) | — | 6.51 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 4.66 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 2.75 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 7.17 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 137 | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 18 | 18 |