Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Md Helicopters Md 520n vs Md Helicopters Md 600n
The Airbus Helicopters H135 is typically positioned as a light twin-engine helicopter in the IFR-capable utility/EMS/police class, offering the greatest redundancy and generally the longest practical mission flexibility of the four, with typical ranges around 330–390 nautical miles depending on fit and reserves. It commonly carries a pilot plus five to six passengers in passenger configuration (or fewer when equipped for EMS). The Bell 505 JetRanger X is a light single-engine turbine helicopter aimed at training and personal/corporate utility. Its typical range is roughly 300–360 nautical miles, and it usually seats one pilot plus four passengers. The MD Helicopters MD 520N is a light single-engine NOTAR (no tail rotor) helicopter focused on utility, training, and law-enforcement roles. Range is commonly about 250–300 nautical miles, with seating generally for one pilot plus four passengers. The MD 600N is a larger, more powerful NOTAR single, bridging light to medium utility. It typically offers more cabin volume and useful load than the 520N, a range often around 300–360 nautical miles, and seating commonly for one pilot plus five to six passengers.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | MD Helicopters MD 520N | MD Helicopters MD 600N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 3.53 | $ 3.38 | $ 4.06 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | 505 JetRanger X | MD 520N | MD 600N |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 306 | 210 | 341 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.85 | $ 0.68 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | — | 3 | 5 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 1500 | 1764 | 2000 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 441 | $ 416 | $ 545 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 125 | 123 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $1,445,000 | $ 2,900,000 | $3,400,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | — | 3 | 5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | No | No |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arrius 2R | 250-C20R | 250-C47 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 3500 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 505 | 450 | 715 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 32.3 | 35 | 41 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 84.85 | 64 | 118 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 42.48 | 31.4 | 36.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 10.65 | 8.8 | 9.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 37 | 27.4 | 27.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 137 | — | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 6.51 | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 4.66 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 2.75 | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 7.17 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 18 | — | — |