AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Enstrom Helicopter 280fx Shark vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii

The Airbus H135 and H145 sit in the light twin category, typically chosen for EMS, law enforcement, and utility work where redundancy and higher payload matter. The H145 is the larger, longer‑range, higher‑capacity step up, commonly carrying about 8–9 passengers (plus pilot[s]) depending on interior, while the H135 is slightly smaller and often configured around 5–7 passengers. Bell’s 505 JetRanger X is a light single, generally positioned for training, private, and light commercial missions; it usually seats 4 passengers plus a pilot and offers moderate range compared with the twins. The Enstrom 280FX Shark is also a light single, often used for training and personal flying; it typically carries 3 passengers plus a pilot and has a comparatively shorter to midrange mission profile. The Robinson R44 Raven II is a light single and a common private/training helicopter; it usually carries 3 passengers plus a pilot and tends to offer solid range for its class, often comparable to or better than other light singles depending on fuel and loading.

SpecAIRBUS H135AIRBUS H145Bell 505 JetRanger XEnstrom Helicopter 280FX SharkROBINSON R44 Raven II
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 9.31$ 3.53$ 1.98$ 2.36
Min Crew111
Total Seats910534
Flight RulesIFRIFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersBellEnstrom HelicopterRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft NameH135H145505 JetRanger X280FX SharkR44 Raven II
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342352306229300
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.93$ 0.71$ 0.66$ 0.59
Max Cabin Seats79
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)312442001500930995
Standard Cabin Seats783
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 1,210$ 441$ 198$ 257
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixEFISGarmin G1000HGyro / AnalogGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136130125100109
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$10,200,000$1,445,000$ 560,000$ 490,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats910534
ConfigurationGreen InteriorGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats79
Standard Cabin Seats783
Engine
FADECYesYesDual-ChannelNoNo
ModelArrius 2B2+Arriel 2EArrius 2RHI0-360-F1ADIO-540
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelAvGasAvGas
TBO (hrs)40004000400015002200
Horsepower660894505225245
No. of Engines22111
Fuel Burn (gph)32.3
Fuel Capacity (gal)84.854029.5
TBO (yrs)1212
Fuel DeliveryFuel InjectedFuel Injected
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.544.842.4829.338.3
Overall Height (ft)12.61310.65910.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)3436.1373233
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173166137
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)46.8186
Width (ft)6.51
Cabin Width (ft)4.66
Cabin Height (ft)2.75
Cabin Length (ft)7.17
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)2.5