Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Md Helicopters Md 530f vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii
The Airbus Helicopters H130 is a single‑engine light helicopter typically positioned in the premium utility and sightseeing category, emphasizing cabin comfort and low noise. It generally offers the longest reach of the three, with typical ranges around 330–380 nautical miles depending on configuration, and it commonly seats a pilot plus up to six passengers. The MD Helicopters MD 530F is also a single‑engine light helicopter, but it is usually categorized as a high‑performance, hot‑and‑high capable utility platform with a more mission‑oriented focus. Its typical range is roughly in the 230–300 nautical mile class, and it is commonly configured for a pilot plus up to four passengers (or equivalent mission equipment). The Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven II is a single‑engine light piston helicopter often used for training, personal transport, and light utility work. It typically has the shortest range of the three, commonly around 300 nautical miles or less depending on fuel/reserves, and it seats a pilot plus up to three passengers.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | MD Helicopters MD 530F | ROBINSON R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 3.59 | $ 2.36 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 7 | 4 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | MD Helicotpers | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | MD 530F | R44 Raven II |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 216 | 300 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.90 | $ 0.59 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 3 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 1509 | 995 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 2 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 480 | $ 257 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 134 | 109 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $ 3,400,000 | $ 490,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 7 | 4 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 3 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 2 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | No | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | 250-C30 | IO-540 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 2000 | 2200 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 650 | 245 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 64 | 29.5 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 35 | — |
| TBO (yrs) | — | — | 12 |
| Fuel Delivery | — | — | Fuel Injected |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 32.2 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 8.7 | 10.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 27.5 | 33 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 2.5 |