Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Robinson Helicopters R66
The Bell 505 JetRanger X, Leonardo SH09, and Robinson R66 all sit in the light single‑engine turbine helicopter category, aimed at private, training, and utility missions, but they differ in maturity and typical mission sizing. The Bell 505 is a modern light turbine single designed for efficient short‑to‑medium hops and strong everyday utility, commonly configured for one pilot plus up to four passengers. The Leonardo SH09 is also a light single‑engine turbine concept in a similar weight class, intended to compete in the same roles; in most planned configurations it targets a comparable cabin size, generally one pilot plus up to four passengers, with range expectations broadly in the same short‑to‑medium segment, though final figures depend on certification and configuration. The Robinson R66 is a widely used light turbine single with a straightforward, cost‑focused design, typically carrying one pilot plus up to four passengers, and offering practical short‑to‑medium range suitable for regional trips, training, and light utility work. Overall, capacity is broadly similar across all three, while real‑world range and payload depend heavily on fuel, interiors, and operating conditions.
| Spec | Bell 505 JetRanger X | AGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09 | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.53 | $4.48 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | 505 JetRanger X | SH09 | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | In-Development | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 306 | 430 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $0.56 | $ 0.70 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1500 | — | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 441 | $627 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H | EFIS | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 125 | 140 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $1,445,000 | $3,500,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Max Passengers | — | 7 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 6 | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | Yes | No |
| Model | Arrius 2R | HTS 900 | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5500 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 505 | 1020 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 32.3 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 84.85 | — | 73.6 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 6.51 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 42.48 | — | 38.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.66 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 2.75 | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 7.17 | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.65 | — | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 37 | — | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 137 | — | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 18 | — | 18 |