Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Robinson Helicopters R66 Marine
The Airbus Helicopters H130 is a single‑engine light helicopter optimized for short‑to‑medium regional hops, tourism, and utility work; it typically carries a pilot plus up to about six passengers (around seven seats total) and offers a practical range on the order of roughly 300–400 nm depending on configuration and reserves. The Robinson R66 Marine is also a single‑engine light helicopter but in a smaller, simpler class aimed at cost‑effective transport and specialized maritime operations; it generally seats a pilot plus about four passengers (five seats total) and has a similar but often slightly shorter real‑world range, commonly around 300–350 nm. The Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a single‑engine turboprop airplane rather than a helicopter, so it competes differently: it is built for longer cross‑country travel at higher speed and efficiency, commonly configured for six to nine passengers, and typically delivers far greater range, roughly 1,500–1,800 nm. In short, the PC‑12 NGX leads on range and cabin flexibility, while the H130 and R66 prioritize vertical access and landing-site versatility.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | Pilatus PC-12 NGX | ROBINSON R66 Marine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 2.78 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 8 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Pilatus | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | PC-12 NGX | R66 Marine |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 1803 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.46 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 9 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | — | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 793 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Honeywell Primus Apex | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 290 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $5,350,000 | $ 965,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 8 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 9 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 3 |
| Lavatory | — | Optional | — |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes | — |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 5.8 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | No | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 13100 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2D | PT6E-67XP | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 1200 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 73.6 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 35 | — |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | 402 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 47.25 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 14 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | — | 33 |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 53.33 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.9 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 16.9 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 4.25 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 40 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 18 |