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.
| Spec | Bell 505 JetRanger X | Enstrom Helicopter 480B-G | MD Helicopters MD 500E | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.53 | $ 2.83 | $ 2.95 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Enstrom Helicopter | MD Helicotpers | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | 505 JetRanger X | 480B-G | MD 500E | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 306 | 370 | 258 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.70 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1500 | 1180 | 1483 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 441 | $ 326 | $ 398 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 125 | 115 | 135 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $1,445,000 | $ 1,425,000 | $ 2,750,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 3 | 3 | — |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 3 | 3 | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | No | No | No |
| Model | Arrius 2R | 250-C20W | 250-C20B | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 2000 | 3500 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 505 | 305 | 420 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 32.3 | — | 35 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 84.85 | 90 | 64 | 73.6 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Width (ft) | 6.51 | — | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 42.48 | 29.9 | 30.9 | 38.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.66 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 2.75 | — | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 7.17 | — | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.65 | 9.6 | 8.7 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 37 | 32 | 26.4 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 137 | — | — | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 18 | 22 | — | 18 |