Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 407gxi vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer vs Robinson Helicopters R66
By category, the Airbus H135, Bell 429WLG, and Leonardo AW109 Grand New are typically positioned as light twin-engine helicopters (IFR-capable, higher redundancy) used for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate missions. The Bell 407GXi and Robinson R66 are light single-engine utility helicopters, commonly favored for cost-effective passenger transport, training, and general mission work. The Bell 505 JetRanger X and MD 500E sit in the smaller light single segment, optimized for agility, patrol/observation, and lower operating costs. The MD 902 Explorer is a light twin notable for its NOTAR anti-torque system and strong suitability for urban/public-safety roles. On range, the longer-legged group generally includes the Bell 407GXi, AW109, and Bell 429 (often benefiting from higher cruise speeds and/or fuel options), while the H135 and MD 902 are typically mid-pack. The Bell 505, MD 500E, and R66 tend to offer shorter-to-mid ranges aligned with their lighter class. On passenger capacity, the Bell 429 and H135 are usually among the leaders (often configured around 6–7 passengers plus crew), the AW109 commonly carries about 6–7, the Bell 407GXi and R66 typically seat about 4–5 passengers, and the Bell 505 and MD 500E are commonly around 4 passengers.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 407GXi | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | Bell 505 JetRanger X | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | MD Helicopters MD 500E | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 4.43 | $ 6.05 | $ 3.53 | $ 7.31 | $ 2.95 | $ 7.54 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | IFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Bell | Bell | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | 407GXi | 429WLG GlobalRanger | 505 JetRanger X | AW109 Grand New | MD 500E | MD 902 Exlplorer | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 337 | 381 | 306 | 464 | 258 | 317 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.94 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 5 | 6 | — | 6 | 3 | 6 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 2300 | 2528 | 1500 | — | 1483 | 3125 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 589 | $ 931 | $ 441 | $ 1,140 | $ 398 | $ 988 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Garmin G1000H NXI | Bell BasiX-Pro | Garmin G1000H | EFIS | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 133 | 154 | 125 | 156 | 135 | 131 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $3,225,000 | $7,700,000 | $1,445,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $ 2,750,000 | $7,250,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Cabin | ||||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 5 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 5 | 6 | — | 6 | 3 | 6 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Engine | ||||||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes | No | No | No |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | M250-C47E/4 | PW207D1 | Arrius 2R | PW207C | 250-C20B | PW207E | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3500 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 3500 | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 862 | 1100 | 505 | 735 | 420 | 710 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 46 | 76 | 32.3 | — | 35 | 65 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 127.8 | 216.9 | 84.85 | 152 | 64 | 159 | 73.6 |
| Dimensions | ||||||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 41.4 | 43 | 42.48 | 42.5 | 30.9 | 40.6 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 10.2 | 12.39 | 10.65 | 11.5 | 8.7 | 12 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 35.5 | 26.4 | 33.9 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 125 | 130 | 137 | — | — | — | 50 |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.4 | 26.37 | 6.51 | — | — | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | 5 | 4.66 | — | — | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 3.9 | 4 | 2.75 | — | — | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 16 | 74 | 18 | — | — | — | 18 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 6.58 | 7.17 | — | — | — | — |