Bell 407gxi vs Enstrom Helicotper 480b G vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 530f vs Md Helicopters Md 600n vs Robinson Helicopters R66
In category, the Bell 407GXi, Enstrom 480B-G, Leonardo SH09, and Robinson R66 are conventional single‑engine light helicopters, while the MD 500E, MD 530F, and MD 600N are light utility/“hot-and-high” oriented types, with the MD 600N distinguished by its NOTAR (no tail rotor) anti‑torque system. For range, the 407GXi and R66 generally sit in the mid-to-upper light-single bracket, offering solid cross‑country capability; the MD 600N is also typically competitive for longer legs in this class. The MD 500E and 530F are often optimized more for performance and mission flexibility than maximum range, tending to be moderate. The Enstrom 480B-G is usually midrange among light singles. The SH09 is positioned as a modern light single and is typically discussed in the midrange segment, depending on final configuration. For passenger capacity, most are 1 pilot plus 4 passengers (407GXi, 480B-G, SH09, R66, MD 500E/530F in common layouts), while the MD 600N is often configured for 1 pilot plus 5 passengers, giving it the edge in cabin capacity among these.
| Spec | Bell 407GXi | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 | MD Helicopters MD 500E | MD Helicopters MD 530F | MD Helicopters MD 600N | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.43 | $4.48 | $ 2.95 | $ 3.59 | $ 4.06 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | 407GXi | SH09 | MD 500E | MD 530F | MD 600N | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | In-Development | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 337 | 430 | 258 | 216 | 341 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $0.56 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.90 | $ 0.68 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 5 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2300 | — | 1483 | 1509 | 2000 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 589 | $627 | $ 398 | $ 480 | $ 545 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H NXI | EFIS | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 133 | 140 | 135 | 134 | 134 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,225,000 | $3,500,000 | $ 2,750,000 | $ 3,400,000 | $3,400,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | 7 | — | — | — | — |
| Cabin | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — | 3 | 3 | 5 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Engine | ||||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Model | M250-C47E/4 | HTS 900 | 250-C20B | 250-C30 | 250-C47 | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5500 | 3500 | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 862 | 1020 | 420 | 650 | 715 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 46 | — | 35 | 35 | 41 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 127.8 | — | 64 | 64 | 118 | 73.6 |
| Dimensions | ||||||
| Width (ft) | 25.4 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 41.4 | — | 30.9 | 32.2 | 36.9 | 38.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 3.9 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.2 | — | 8.7 | 8.7 | 9.7 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35 | — | 26.4 | 27.5 | 27.5 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 125 | — | — | — | — | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 16 | — | — | — | — | 18 |