Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Md Helicopters Md 530f
Airbus Helicopters’ H145 and Bell’s 429 GlobalRanger sit in the light twin-engine utility class, while the MD Helicopters MD 530F is a smaller, single-engine light helicopter optimized for simpler missions. In category terms, the H145 emphasizes multi-mission capability and strong payload performance with twin-engine redundancy, and the Bell 429 is similarly positioned but often noted for its spacious cabin and smooth corporate/EMS fit. The MD 530F is a more compact, agile platform typically used for training, patrol, observation, and light utility work rather than high-capacity transport. On range, the H145 and Bell 429 generally offer comparable, mission-dependent ranges that are typically longer than the MD 530F, especially when configured for passenger transport and equipped with standard fuel. The MD 530F can still achieve practical point-to-point range for short to moderate legs, but it is not usually chosen for longer-distance passenger carriage. For passenger capacity, both the H145 and Bell 429 commonly accommodate around six to seven passengers in typical configurations (plus crew), whereas the MD 530F usually carries fewer, often around four passengers (plus pilot), depending on interior and mission equipment.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | MD Helicopters MD 530F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 6.29 | $ 3.59 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | 429 GlobalRanger | MD 530F |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 365 | 216 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 3 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 2535 | 1509 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 931 | $ 480 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 148 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $7,500,000 | $ 3,400,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 2 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 | 250-C30 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1100 | 650 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | 35 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 64 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 43 | 32.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 13.25 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36 | 27.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 130 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 74 | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | — |