Bell 407gxi vs Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 600n vs Robinson Helicopters R66
All five are light single‑engine helicopters aimed at utility, private, and training roles, but they separate into “light” and “lighter” classes. The Bell 407GXi is the most capable light single here, typically offering the longest practical reach and the strongest load/mission flexibility; it is commonly configured for up to about six passengers plus a pilot (seating varies by interior). The Leonardo SH09 sits in a similar light single category and generally targets comparable passenger loads (around six plus pilot), with range typically in the same broad class as the 407 depending on tanks and reserves. The MD 600N is also a light single and often seats up to six plus pilot; its range is competitive within the group, though mission equipment and fuel options drive real‑world endurance. The Robinson R66 is a smaller light single, usually arranged for about four passengers plus pilot, with moderate range suited to owner‑operator and utility work. The Bell 505 JetRanger X is the “lighter” option, commonly seating about four passengers plus pilot and trading maximum capacity and range for lower weight, simpler missions, and operating costs.
| Spec | Bell 407GXi | Bell 505 JetRanger X | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 | MD Helicopters MD 600N | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.43 | $ 3.53 | $4.48 | $ 4.06 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Bell | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | 407GXi | 505 JetRanger X | SH09 | MD 600N | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In-Development | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 337 | 306 | 430 | 341 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.71 | $0.56 | $ 0.68 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | 6 | 5 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2300 | 1500 | — | 2000 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 5 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 589 | $ 441 | $627 | $ 545 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H NXI | Garmin G1000H | EFIS | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 133 | 125 | 140 | 134 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,225,000 | $1,445,000 | $3,500,000 | $3,400,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | — | 7 | — | — |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | — | 5 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 5 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 3 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes | No | No |
| Model | M250-C47E/4 | Arrius 2R | HTS 900 | 250-C47 | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | 5500 | 2000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 862 | 505 | 1020 | 715 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 46 | 32.3 | — | 41 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 127.8 | 84.85 | — | 118 | 73.6 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Width (ft) | 25.4 | 6.51 | — | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 41.4 | 42.48 | — | 36.9 | 38.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | 4.66 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 3.9 | 2.75 | — | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.2 | 10.65 | — | 9.7 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35 | 37 | — | 27.5 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 125 | 137 | — | — | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 16 | 18 | — | — | 18 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 7.17 | — | — | — |