Bell 407gxi vs D Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 530f
The Bell 407GXi and the MD Helicopters MD 530F are both light single‑engine helicopters, but they target slightly different missions. The 407GXi is typically positioned as a light utility/turbine single optimized for passenger transport, corporate, public safety, and general utility work, emphasizing cabin comfort, payload flexibility, and modern avionics. The MD 530F is also a light single, often associated with nimble performance, high‑hot capability, and roles such as utility, training, and specialized government/law‑enforcement operations, with a generally more compact cabin footprint. In range, the Bell 407GXi commonly offers a longer practical range than the MD 530F in typical configurations, making it better suited to longer point‑to‑point passenger or utility legs, while the MD 530F is often chosen for shorter missions, responsiveness, and operations where agility and operating environment matter more than maximum distance. For passenger capacity, the Bell 407GXi generally carries more people, typically one pilot plus up to six passengers, whereas the MD 530F is usually configured for one pilot plus up to four passengers, depending on interior and mission equipment.
| Spec | Bell 407GXi | MD Helicopters MD 530F |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.43 | $ 3.59 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | 407GXi | MD 530F |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 337 | 216 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 3 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2300 | 1509 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 5 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 589 | $ 480 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H NXI | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 133 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,225,000 | $ 3,400,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 5 | 2 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | M250-C47E/4 | 250-C30 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 862 | 650 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 46 | 35 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 127.8 | 64 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width (ft) | 25.4 | — |
| Length (ft) | 41.4 | 32.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 3.9 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.2 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35 | 27.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 125 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 16 | — |