Bell 407 vs Eurocopter H125
The Eurocopter H125 (AS350 AStar) and Bell 407 are the two dominant single-engine turbine utility helicopters — both ~6-7 seat PT6/Arriel singles, but the H125 leads in hot-and-high/useful-load and the 407 in cabin comfort and smoothness.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Bell 407 | Eurocopter H125 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $2,000,000 – $4,700,000 | $432,215 – $3,505,800 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 675 HP | 952 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 133 kts (246 km/h) | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | 330 nm (611 km) | 339 nm (628 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) | 23,000 ft (7,010 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,250 lbs (2,381 kg) | 5,511 lbs (2,500 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,347 lbs (1,065 kg) | 2,536 lbs (1,150 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 131.0 gal (496 L) | 143.0 gal (541 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) | 42.0 GPH (159 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | 3,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $350,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $100,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $550 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Turboshaft | 1 x Turboshaft |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 407
Fuel$220/hr
Variable$550/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$210,000/yr
Eurocopter H125
Fuel$231/hr
Which Should You Buy: Bell 407 or Eurocopter H125?
Bottom line: Choose the H125 for class-leading hot-and-high performance, external-load/utility work and high useful load (the go-to for tours, utility and mountain operations); choose the Bell 407 for a smoother ride, roomier cabin and the Bell support network. H125 = performance/utility; 407 = comfort/ride.
Pick the 407 if…
- More seats — 7 vs 6.
- Newer design — production from 1996 vs 1975.
Pick the H125 if…
- Budget matters — from $432,215 vs $2,000,000, you save ~$1,567,785.
- Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 133 kts.
- Longer range — 339 nm vs 330 nm.
- More inventory — 49 listings vs 38.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Bell 407 or Eurocopter H125?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 407 cruises at 133 kts with 330 nm range.
The H125 cruises at 140 kts with 339 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Bell 407: from $3,350,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 407 and Eurocopter H125?
407 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C47B (675 hp).
H125 engine: Safran Arriel 2D (952 hp).
Seats: 7 vs 6.
Cruise: 133 vs 140 kts.
Range: 330 vs 339 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
407: about $550/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
407: 7 seats / 2,347 lb useful load.
H125: 6 seats / 2,536 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
407: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000.
H125: 3,000-hour TBO.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data