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Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Md Helicopters Md 520n vs Md Helicopters Md 600n vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer

In category, the Airbus H135 is a light twin‑engine helicopter aimed at multi‑mission work with strong redundancy, while the Bell 505 JetRanger X and MD 520N are light single‑engine helicopters typically positioned for training, utility, and cost‑efficient operations. The MD 600N and MD 902 Explorer move into larger, higher‑capacity roles; the 600N is a medium single (NOTAR anti‑torque) and the 902 is a medium twin (also NOTAR), generally better suited to higher payload and more demanding commercial missions. In range, the H135 and Bell 505 are commonly in a similar general band for light helicopters, often a few hundred nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves, while the MD 520N is typically comparable but often somewhat more limited depending on fit. The MD 600N and MD 902 generally offer longer legs and better cruise efficiency for their size, with the 902 often competitive on mission radius due to twin‑engine power and higher useful load. For passenger capacity, the Bell 505 and MD 520N are usually around 4 passengers plus pilot, the H135 typically carries about 5–6 passengers plus crew, the MD 600N about 6 passengers plus pilot, and the MD 902 commonly about 7–8 passengers plus crew, depending on interior and certification.

SpecAIRBUS H135Bell 505 JetRanger XMD Helicopters MD 520NMD Helicopters MD 600NMD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit22222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 3.53$ 3.38$ 4.06$ 7.54
Min Crew11111
Total Seats95468
Flight RulesIFRVFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellMD HelicotpersMD HelicotpersMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH135505 JetRanger XMD 520NMD 600NMD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342306210341317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.71$ 0.85$ 0.68$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats7356
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)31241500176420003125
Standard Cabin Seats73256
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 441$ 416$ 545$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixGarmin G1000HGyro / AnalogGyro / AnalogGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136125123134131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$1,445,000$ 2,900,000 $3,400,000 $7,250,000
Cabin
Cockpit22222
Min Crew11111
Total Seats95468
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats7356
Standard Cabin Seats73256
Engine
FADECYesDual-ChannelNoNoNo
ModelArrius 2B2+Arrius 2R250-C20R250-C47PW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40004000350020004000
Horsepower660505450715710
No. of Engines21112
Fuel Burn (gph)32.3354165
Fuel Capacity (gal)84.8564118159
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.542.4831.436.940.6
Overall Height (ft)12.610.658.89.712
Rotor Diameter (ft)343727.427.533.9
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173137
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