Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Md Helicopters Md 530f
The Airbus Helicopters H145 is a light twin‑engine, multi‑role helicopter commonly used for EMS, law enforcement, offshore support, and corporate transport, while the MD Helicopters MD 530F is a light single‑engine helicopter optimized for utility work, training, and light armed/scout roles. In range, the H145 typically offers a longer practical mission radius because it carries more fuel and is designed for extended multi‑mission operations, whereas the MD 530F generally has a shorter range consistent with its smaller airframe and single‑engine configuration. Passenger capacity also differs significantly: the H145 is configured to carry a larger cabin load, commonly around 8 to 9 passengers plus one or two pilots depending on layout and mission equipment, while the MD 530F usually accommodates one pilot and about four passengers (or a comparable payload when configured for utility/mission equipment). Overall, the H145 suits higher-capacity, higher-endurance missions with redundancy from two engines, while the MD 530F favors simplicity, agility, and lower operating cost for lighter tasks.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | MD Helicopters MD 530F |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 3.59 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | MD 530F |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 216 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 3 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 1509 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 480 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $ 3,400,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 4 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 2 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | Arriel 2E | 250-C30 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 650 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 35 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 64 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 32.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 27.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | — |