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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | MD Helicopters MD 520N | MD Helicopters MD 600N | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 3.53 | $ 3.38 | $ 4.06 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | 505 JetRanger X | MD 520N | MD 600N | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 306 | 210 | 341 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.85 | $ 0.68 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | — | 3 | 5 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 1500 | 1764 | 2000 | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 441 | $ 416 | $ 545 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 125 | 123 | 134 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $1,445,000 | $ 2,900,000 | $3,400,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | — | 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | No | No | No |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arrius 2R | 250-C20R | 250-C47 | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 3500 | 2000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 505 | 450 | 715 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 32.3 | 35 | 41 | 65 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 84.85 | 64 | 118 | 159 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 42.48 | 31.4 | 36.9 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 10.65 | 8.8 | 9.7 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 37 | 27.4 | 27.5 | 33.9 |
| 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 | — | — | — |