Bell 407gxi vs Enstrom Helicotper 480b G vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters MD 530F vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 600n vs Robinson Helicopters R66
The Bell 407GXi and Leonardo SH09 sit in the light single category aimed at utility and passenger transport; both typically carry about 5 passengers plus a pilot, with the 407GXi generally offering a longer practical range than the SH09. The Enstrom 480B-G is also a light single, usually configured for about 4 passengers plus a pilot, and tends to have a moderate range suited to regional missions rather than long legs. The MD 500E and MD 530F are light singles optimized for agility and high/hot performance; they commonly seat about 4 passengers plus a pilot, with the 530F typically offering slightly better hot-and-high capability and similar or modestly improved range versus a 500E depending on tanks. The MD 600N is a larger light single; it generally carries about 6 passengers plus a pilot and often provides better range than the smaller MD 500/530 family. The Robinson R66 is a light single turbine that usually carries about 4 passengers plus a pilot, with a solid mid-pack range competitive with the Enstrom and below longer-legged configurations of the 407/600N.
| Spec | Bell 407GXi | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 | MD Helicopters MD 500E | MD Helicopters MD 600N | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.43 | $4.48 | $ 2.95 | $ 4.06 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | 407GXi | SH09 | MD 500E | MD 600N | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | In-Development | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 337 | 430 | 258 | 341 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $0.56 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.68 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 3 | 5 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2300 | — | 1483 | 2000 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 589 | $627 | $ 398 | $ 545 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H NXI | EFIS | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 133 | 140 | 135 | 134 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,225,000 | $3,500,000 | $ 2,750,000 | $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 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | 3 | 5 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Model | M250-C47E/4 | HTS 900 | 250-C20B | 250-C47 | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5500 | 3500 | 2000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 862 | 1020 | 420 | 715 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 46 | — | 35 | 41 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 127.8 | — | 64 | 118 | 73.6 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Width (ft) | 25.4 | — | — | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 41.4 | — | 30.9 | 36.9 | 38.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | — | — | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 3.9 | — | — | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.2 | — | 8.7 | 9.7 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35 | — | 26.4 | 27.5 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 125 | — | — | — | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 16 | — | — | — | 18 |