Bell 407gxi vs Enstrom Helicotper 480b G vs Leonardo Sh09 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-engine utility class with broadly similar mission flexibility; the 407GXi typically offers the longest practical range of this group and commonly seats one pilot plus up to six passengers, while the SH09 is generally configured for one pilot plus six passengers with a competitive but usually somewhat shorter range depending on fit. The Enstrom 480B-G is a lighter single-engine turbine helicopter, usually carrying one pilot plus four passengers, with a moderate range suited to training, patrol, and local utility work. The MD 500E is a light, agile single-engine platform, commonly configured around one pilot plus four passengers with relatively shorter range compared with the larger-cabin singles. The MD 600N remains in the light single-engine category but adds a bigger cabin and typically seats one pilot plus five or six passengers, with range generally comparable to other mid/light turbines. The Robinson R66 is a light single-engine turbine helicopter, typically seating one pilot plus four passengers, offering solid range for its size but usually below the 407GXi class.
| 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 |