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Bell 407gxi vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Enstrom Helicotper 480b G vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer vs Robinson Helicopters R66

The Bell 505, MD 500E, Enstrom 480B‑G, and Robinson R66 sit in the light single‑engine utility/training category, typically carrying about four to five passengers plus a pilot depending on interior fit; among them, the R66 and 480B‑G generally offer the strongest practical range, while the 505 and 500E are often chosen for simplicity, agility, and local missions rather than maximum legs. The Bell 407GXi is a larger, higher‑performance single‑engine aircraft in the light/intermediate class, commonly configured for about six passengers, with range that is generally competitive or better than most smaller singles when similarly equipped. The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger and MD 902 Explorer are light twin‑engine helicopters aimed at EMS, corporate, and IFR‑leaning operations, usually accommodating around six to seven passengers; they tend to deliver solid mission range with the redundancy of two engines. The Leonardo “SH09” (often referred to as AW09) is a modern light single positioned between the 407 and smaller singles, typically around six passengers with range intended to be strong for its class.

SpecBell 407GXiBell 429WLG GlobalRangerBell 505 JetRanger XAGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09MD Helicopters MD 500EMD Helicopters MD 902 ExlplorerROBINSON R66
Summary
Cockpit2222222
DOC / nm$ 4.43$ 6.05$ 3.53$4.48$ 2.95$ 7.54$ 3.49
Min Crew1111111
Total Seats6858485
Flight RulesVFRIFRVFRVFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerBellBellBellLeonardoMD HelicotpersMD HelicotpersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft Name407GXi429WLG GlobalRanger505 JetRanger XSH09MD 500EMD 902 ExlplorerR66
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAIn-DevelopmentFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)337381306430258317350
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.74$ 0.76$ 0.71$0.56$ 0.74$ 0.94$ 0.70
Max Cabin Seats56636
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)230025281500148331251355
Standard Cabin Seats5636263
Direct Operating Cost$ 589$ 931$ 441$627$ 398$ 988$ 384
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000H NXIBell BasiX-ProGarmin G1000HEFISGyro / AnalogGarmin G500HGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)133154125140135131110
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,225,000$7,700,000$1,445,000$3,500,000$ 2,750,000 $7,250,000 $ 920,000
Max Passengers7
Cabin
Cockpit2222222
Min Crew1111111
Total Seats6858485
Max Cabin Seats5636
Standard Cabin Seats5636263
Engine
FADECYesYesDual-ChannelYesNoNoNo
ModelM250-C47E/4PW207D1Arrius 2RHTS 900250-C20BPW207ERR300
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)3500400040005500350040002000
Horsepower86211005051020420710300
No. of Engines1211121
Fuel Burn (gph)467632.33565
Fuel Capacity (gal)127.8216.984.856415973.6
Dimensions
Width (ft)25.426.376.51
Length (ft)41.44342.4830.940.638.3
Cabin Width (ft)554.66
Cabin Height (ft)3.942.75
Overall Height (ft)10.212.3910.658.71211.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)35363726.433.933
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)12513013750
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)16741818
Cabin Length (ft)6.587.17