AIR.ONE

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.

SpecAIRBUS H130MD Helicopters MD 530FROBINSON R44 Raven II
Summary
Cockpit32
DOC / nm$ 5.00$ 3.59$ 2.36
Min Crew11
Total Seats744
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersMD HelicotpersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft NameH130MD 530FR44 Raven II
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)333216300
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.71$ 0.90$ 0.59
Max Cabin Seats53
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)22991509995
Standard Cabin Seats42
Direct Operating Cost$ 640$ 480$ 257
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HGarmin G500HGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)128134109
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,450,000$ 3,400,000$ 490,000
Cabin
Cockpit32
Min Crew11
Total Seats744
Max Cabin Seats53
Standard Cabin Seats42
Engine
FADECYesNoNo
ModelArriel 2D250-C30IO-540
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelAvGas
TBO (hrs)500020002200
Horsepower952650245
No. of Engines111
Fuel Capacity (gal)1436429.5
Fuel Burn (gph)35
TBO (yrs)12
Fuel DeliveryFuel Injected
Dimensions
Length (ft)41.532.238.3
Overall Height (ft)11.18.710.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)35.127.533
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)2.5