Bell 407gxi vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 530f
The Bell 407GXi is typically positioned as a modern, high-performance light single-engine utility helicopter with the greatest practical range of the three and the most cabin-friendly passenger capacity. In common configurations it carries one pilot plus up to five passengers, making it well suited to corporate transport, EMS support roles (with mission kits), and general utility work where comfort and payload flexibility matter. The MD Helicopters MD 500E is a lighter, smaller-bodied light single in the 500-series, often favored for agility, training, patrol, and observation missions. Passenger capacity is generally lower than the 407GXi, commonly arranged for one pilot plus up to four passengers depending on interior and mission equipment, and its typical range is also shorter than the Bell. The MD 530F is a higher-performance derivative of the 500-series optimized for “hot-and-high” operations, trading some cruise efficiency for improved altitude and temperature capability. Its seating is usually similar to the 500E (often one pilot plus up to four passengers), with range broadly comparable to the 500E and generally below the 407GXi in typical mission profiles.
| Spec | Bell 407GXi | MD Helicopters MD 500E | MD Helicopters MD 530F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.43 | $ 2.95 | $ 3.59 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | 407GXi | MD 500E | MD 530F |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 337 | 258 | 216 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2300 | 1483 | 1509 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 5 | 2 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 589 | $ 398 | $ 480 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H NXI | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 133 | 135 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,225,000 | $ 2,750,000 | $ 3,400,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 5 | 2 | 2 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | No | No |
| Model | M250-C47E/4 | 250-C20B | 250-C30 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 3500 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 862 | 420 | 650 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 46 | 35 | 35 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 127.8 | 64 | 64 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 25.4 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 41.4 | 30.9 | 32.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 3.9 | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.2 | 8.7 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35 | 26.4 | 27.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 125 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 16 | — | — |