Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Leonardo Aw119kx vs Md Helicopters Md 530f
The Airbus Helicopters H130, Leonardo AW119Kx, and MD Helicopters MD 530F all sit in the light single-engine helicopter category, but they serve different priorities. The H130 is generally positioned as a light single optimized for passenger comfort and sightseeing/VIP utility, typically offering the highest practical passenger capacity of the three, commonly seating one pilot plus up to six passengers depending on configuration. The AW119Kx is also a light single, often used for corporate transport, EMS support, and utility roles; it usually seats one pilot plus up to six passengers as well, with a cabin and useful load that can be competitive with the H130 depending on fit-out. The MD 530F is a lighter, more mission-oriented light single often associated with utility, law enforcement, and training; it typically carries fewer people, commonly one pilot plus up to four passengers (or mission equipment), emphasizing agility over cabin volume. In range terms, the H130 and AW119Kx generally offer longer typical range than the MD 530F, with the AW119Kx often viewed as particularly strong on endurance for its class, while the MD 530F is usually shorter-legged but more compact and nimble.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119Kx | MD Helicopters MD 530F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 6.76 | $ 3.59 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 8 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | AW119Kx | MD 530F |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 515 | 216 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.84 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 3 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | — | 1509 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 885 | $ 480 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 131 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $3,850,000 | $ 3,400,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 8 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 2 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | PT6B-37A | 250-C30 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4500 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 917 | 650 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 160 | 64 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 35 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 42.5 | 32.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 11.9 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 35.5 | 27.5 |