Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Md Helicopters Md 520n vs Md Helicopters Md 600n
The Airbus Helicopters H145 is a larger, twin‑engine light utility helicopter in the 3–4‑ton class, typically configured for about 8–10 passengers (plus one or two pilots), and it generally offers the longest practical range of the group, commonly in the mid‑300 nautical mile range depending on tanking and mission profile. The Bell 505 JetRanger X is a light, single‑engine turbine helicopter aimed at training and private/corporate use; it usually carries around 4 passengers plus a pilot, with a typical range around the low‑to‑mid‑300 nautical miles. The MD Helicopters MD 520N is a light, single‑engine NOTAR helicopter (no tail rotor), commonly used for law enforcement and utility work; it generally seats about 4 passengers plus a pilot, with range often around the high‑200 to low‑300 nautical miles. The MD 600N is a larger single‑engine NOTAR utility helicopter, typically carrying about 6–7 passengers plus a pilot, with range broadly similar to the others, often around roughly 300 nautical miles depending on configuration.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 505 JetRanger X | MD Helicopters MD 520N | MD Helicopters MD 600N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 3.53 | $ 3.38 | $ 4.06 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | 505 JetRanger X | MD 520N | MD 600N |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 306 | 210 | 341 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.85 | $ 0.68 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — | 3 | 5 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 1500 | 1764 | 2000 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 441 | $ 416 | $ 545 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 125 | 123 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $1,445,000 | $ 2,900,000 | $3,400,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — | 3 | 5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | No | No |
| Model | Arriel 2E | Arrius 2R | 250-C20R | 250-C47 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 3500 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 505 | 450 | 715 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 32.3 | 35 | 41 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 84.85 | 64 | 118 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 42.48 | 31.4 | 36.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 10.65 | 8.8 | 9.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 37 | 27.4 | 27.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 137 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 18 | — | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 6.51 | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 4.66 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 2.75 | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 7.17 | — | — |