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Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Enstrom Helicopter 480b G vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Robinson Helicopters R66

The Bell 505 JetRanger X and MD Helicopters MD 500E are typically positioned as light, agile turbine singles suited to training, utility, and patrol-style missions, while the Robinson R66 and Enstrom 480B‑G generally emphasize stable, practical operations with strong private, commercial, and utility appeal. In broad category terms, all four are light single‑engine turbine helicopters, but the MD 500E is especially known for high maneuverability and a smaller, “hot‑rod” feel, whereas the Bell 505 and R66 are often selected for modern avionics, ease of use, and mainstream fleet operations; the 480B‑G is commonly viewed as robust and stable for work and training. For range, these aircraft generally fall into a similar light-turbine bracket, with typical mission ranges commonly around roughly 300 to 400 nautical miles depending on configuration, reserves, payload, and conditions; the R66 and Bell 505 are often cited near the higher end of this band in typical setups, with the MD 500E and 480B‑G frequently comparable but mission-dependent. For passenger capacity, the Bell 505 and Robinson R66 are commonly configured for one pilot plus four passengers, while the MD 500E and Enstrom 480B‑G are more often one pilot plus three to four passengers depending on seating and mission kit.

SpecBell 505 JetRanger XEnstrom Helicopter 480B-GMD Helicopters MD 500EROBINSON R66
Summary
Cockpit2222
DOC / nm$ 3.53$ 2.83$ 2.95$ 3.49
Min Crew1111
Total Seats5445
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerBellEnstrom HelicopterMD HelicotpersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft Name505 JetRanger X480B-GMD 500ER66
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)306370258350
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.71$ 0.71$ 0.74$ 0.70
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)1500118014831355
Standard Cabin Seats3223
Direct Operating Cost$ 441$ 326$ 398$ 384
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000HGarmin G1000HGyro / AnalogGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)125115135110
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$1,445,000$ 1,425,000$ 2,750,000$ 920,000
Max Cabin Seats33
Cabin
Cockpit2222
Min Crew1111
Total Seats5445
Standard Cabin Seats3223
Max Cabin Seats33
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelNoNoNo
ModelArrius 2R250-C20W250-C20BRR300
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)4000200035002000
Horsepower505305420300
No. of Engines1111
Fuel Burn (gph)32.335
Fuel Capacity (gal)84.85906473.6
Dimensions
Width (ft)6.51
Length (ft)42.4829.930.938.3
Cabin Width (ft)4.66
Cabin Height (ft)2.75
Cabin Length (ft)7.17
Overall Height (ft)10.659.68.711.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)373226.433
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)13750
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)182218