Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Md Helicopters Md 600n
The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a twin‑engine light helicopter typically positioned for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport, with the strongest all‑around capability and redundancy among the three. It generally offers the longest practical range in this comparison (often around the 350–400+ nautical mile class depending on configuration) and the highest typical passenger capacity, commonly seating a pilot plus up to six or seven passengers in many layouts. The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is a single‑engine light helicopter aimed at training, private, and light utility missions. Its range is usually mid‑pack (often roughly 300+ nautical miles), and passenger capacity is generally lower than the H135, commonly arranged for a pilot plus four passengers, with flexibility depending on interiors. The MD Helicopters MD 600N is a single‑engine light/utility helicopter notable for its NOTAR anti‑torque system and a roomy cabin for its class. Its range is typically comparable to other light singles (often around the low‑to‑mid 300 nautical mile class), and its passenger capacity is usually similar to the Bell 505 or slightly higher in some configurations, often around a pilot plus four to five passengers.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | MD Helicopters MD 600N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 3.53 | $ 4.06 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 5 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | 505 JetRanger X | MD 600N |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 306 | 341 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.68 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | — | 5 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 1500 | 2000 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 3 | 5 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 441 | $ 545 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 125 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $1,445,000 | $3,400,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 5 | 6 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | — | 5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 3 | 5 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | No |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arrius 2R | 250-C47 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 505 | 715 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 32.3 | 41 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 84.85 | 118 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 42.48 | 36.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 10.65 | 9.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 37 | 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 | — |