Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Md Helicopters Md 520n vs Md Helicopters Md 530f
The Bell 505 JetRanger X is positioned as a modern light single-engine turbine helicopter aimed primarily at civil training, personal/corporate transport, and general utility. It typically offers the greatest practical range of the three and the highest passenger capacity, commonly seating a pilot plus up to four passengers, which makes it the most cabin-oriented option for moving people comfortably. The MD Helicopters MD 520N is a light single-engine turbine in the MD 500 series optimized for agility and low external noise, using the NOTAR (no tail rotor) system. It is often chosen for law enforcement, surveillance, and urban operations where reduced noise footprint and tail-rotor safety are valued. Passenger capacity is generally lower than the 505, commonly configured for a pilot plus three to four occupants depending on interior fit, and its range is typically shorter than the Bell 505. The MD 530F is a high-hot-focused, light single-engine turbine utility helicopter, widely used for demanding missions such as lift, aerial work, and tactical roles. It tends to trade cabin comfort and sometimes range for strong performance margins and payload capability, with seating usually around a pilot plus three to four.
| Spec | Bell 505 JetRanger X | MD Helicopters MD 520N | MD Helicopters MD 530F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.53 | $ 3.38 | $ 3.59 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | 505 JetRanger X | MD 520N | MD 530F |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 306 | 210 | 216 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.85 | $ 0.90 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1500 | 1764 | 1509 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 441 | $ 416 | $ 480 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 125 | 123 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $1,445,000 | $ 2,900,000 | $ 3,400,000 |
| 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-C20R | 250-C30 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3500 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 505 | 450 | 650 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 32.3 | 35 | 35 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 84.85 | 64 | 64 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 6.51 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 42.48 | 31.4 | 32.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.66 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 2.75 | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 7.17 | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.65 | 8.8 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 37 | 27.4 | 27.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 137 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 18 | — | — |