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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.

SpecBell 505 JetRanger XMD Helicopters MD 530FROBINSON R66
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 3.53$ 3.59$ 3.49
Min Crew111
Total Seats545
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerBellMD HelicotpersRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft Name505 JetRanger XMD 530FR66
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)306216350
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.71$ 0.90$ 0.70
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)150015091355
Standard Cabin Seats323
Direct Operating Cost$ 441$ 480$ 384
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000HGarmin G500HGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)125134110
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$1,445,000$ 3,400,000$ 920,000
Max Cabin Seats3
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats545
Standard Cabin Seats323
Max Cabin Seats3
Engine
FADECDual-ChannelNoNo
ModelArrius 2R250-C30RR300
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400020002000
Horsepower505650300
No. of Engines111
Fuel Burn (gph)32.335
Fuel Capacity (gal)84.856473.6
Dimensions
Width (ft)6.51
Length (ft)42.4832.238.3
Cabin Width (ft)4.66
Cabin Height (ft)2.75
Cabin Length (ft)7.17
Overall Height (ft)10.658.711.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)3727.533
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)13750
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)1818