Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Enstrom Helicopter 480b vs Enstrom Helicopter 480b G
The Bell 505 JetRanger X is a light, single‑engine turbine helicopter typically positioned as a modern training, utility, and personal/charter platform. It generally carries a pilot plus up to four passengers in a five‑seat cabin and is often chosen for its contemporary avionics and broad mission flexibility. In range, the Bell 505 is usually competitive in the light‑turbine class, offering a practical cross‑country capability suited to regional trips. The Enstrom 480B is also a light, single‑engine turbine helicopter but is commonly viewed as a more rugged utility and patrol-oriented aircraft with strong stability and hot‑and‑high performance. It is typically configured for five occupants (pilot plus four passengers). Its range is broadly similar to other light turbine helicopters, often landing in the same general bracket as the Bell 505 depending on fuel configuration, reserves, and payload. The Enstrom 480B‑G is a variant of the 480B tailored for government/military-style missions. It remains in the same light single‑engine turbine category with a similar passenger capacity, while range and endurance are usually mission‑equipment dependent and can vary with installed kits and typical operating profiles.
| Spec | Bell 505 JetRanger X | Enstrom Helicopter 480B | Enstrom Helicopter 480B-G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.53 | $ 2.83 | $ 2.83 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Enstrom Helicopter | Enstrom Helicopter |
| Aircraft Name | 505 JetRanger X | 480B | 480B-G |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 306 | 370 | 370 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.71 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1500 | 1180 | 1180 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 441 | $ 326 | $ 326 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G1000H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 125 | 115 | 115 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $1,445,000 | $ 1,290,000 | $ 1,425,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 3 | 3 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 3 | 3 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | No | No |
| Model | Arrius 2R | 250-C20W | 250-C20W |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 2000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 505 | 305 | 305 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 32.3 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 84.85 | 90 | 90 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 6.51 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 42.48 | 29.9 | 29.9 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.66 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 2.75 | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 7.17 | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.65 | 9.6 | 9.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 37 | 32 | 32 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 137 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 18 | 22 | 22 |