Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Md Helicopters Md 530f
The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a light twin‑engine utility helicopter commonly used for emergency medical services, police, and corporate transport. In category terms it sits in the light twin segment, emphasizing redundancy and lower vibration for passenger missions. Its passenger capacity is typically a pilot plus about six passengers in a standard cabin layout, with flexibility for medical or mission equipment. Range varies by configuration, but it is generally in the roughly 350–450 nautical mile class. The MD Helicopters MD 530F is a light single‑engine helicopter derived from the 500/530 series and is often oriented toward utility, training, and armed/light‑attack or observation roles. As a light single, it prioritizes simplicity, agility, and operating cost over twin‑engine redundancy. Passenger capacity is usually a pilot plus up to four passengers (or mission seats), depending on interior and equipment. Its range is typically shorter than the H135 in many common configurations, often around the roughly 200–300 nautical mile class.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | MD Helicopters MD 530F |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 3.59 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | MD 530F |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 216 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 3 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 1509 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 480 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $ 3,400,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 4 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 2 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | 250-C30 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 650 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 35 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 64 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 32.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 27.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | — |