Bell 505 Jetranger X vs Md Helicopters Md 530f vs Robinson Helicopters R66
The Bell 505 JetRanger X, MD Helicopters MD 530F, and Robinson R66 are all light turbine helicopters, but they emphasize different missions. The Bell 505 is commonly positioned as a modern light single for training, corporate, and utility roles, balancing useful load, cabin comfort, and contemporary avionics; it typically carries a pilot plus up to four passengers, and its range is generally in the mid-300 nautical mile class depending on fuel and payload. The MD 530F is a high-performance light single with a strong utility and aerial work heritage, often favored where agility, hot-and-high capability, and external load flexibility matter; it usually carries a pilot plus up to four passengers, and its range is often in a similar few-hundred-nautical-mile bracket, varying with configuration. The Robinson R66 is also a light single, often selected for private, training, and light commercial use with relatively straightforward operation and support; it typically carries a pilot plus four passengers, with range commonly in the roughly 300-plus nautical mile class, again dependent on reserves, weight, and conditions.
| Spec | Bell 505 JetRanger X | MD Helicopters MD 530F | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.53 | $ 3.59 | $ 3.49 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | MD Helicotpers | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | 505 JetRanger X | MD 530F | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 306 | 216 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.90 | $ 0.70 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1500 | 1509 | 1355 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 441 | $ 480 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000H | Garmin G500H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 125 | 134 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $1,445,000 | $ 3,400,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 3 | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 3 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Dual-Channel | No | No |
| Model | Arrius 2R | 250-C30 | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 2000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 505 | 650 | 300 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 32.3 | 35 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 84.85 | 64 | 73.6 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width (ft) | 6.51 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 42.48 | 32.2 | 38.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.66 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 2.75 | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 7.17 | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.65 | 8.7 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 37 | 27.5 | 33 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 137 | — | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 18 | — | 18 |