AIR.ONE

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.

SpecBell 505 JetRanger XMD Helicopters MD 520NMD Helicopters MD 530F
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 3.53$ 3.38$ 3.59
Min Crew111
Total Seats544
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerBellMD HelicotpersMD Helicotpers
Aircraft Name505 JetRanger XMD 520NMD 530F
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)306210216
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.71$ 0.85$ 0.90
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)150017641509
Standard Cabin Seats322
Direct Operating Cost$ 441$ 416$ 480
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000HGyro / AnalogGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)125123134
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$1,445,000$ 2,900,000$ 3,400,000
Max Cabin Seats33
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats544
Standard Cabin Seats322
Max Cabin Seats33
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelNoNo
ModelArrius 2R250-C20R250-C30
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400035002000
Horsepower505450650
No. of Engines111
Fuel Burn (gph)32.33535
Fuel Capacity (gal)84.856464
Dimensions
Width (ft)6.51
Length (ft)42.4831.432.2
Cabin Width (ft)4.66
Cabin Height (ft)2.75
Cabin Length (ft)7.17
Overall Height (ft)10.658.88.7
Rotor Diameter (ft)3727.427.5
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)137
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)18