Bell 505 vs Bell 407
The Bell 407 and the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X are both single-turbine Bells, but in different classes — the 407 is the four-blade higher-performance evolution of the JetRanger lineage; the 505 is the modern clean-sheet five-seat light single launched in 2017 to fill the JetRanger's space.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Bell 505 | Bell 407 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,300,000 – $2,681,652 | $2,000,000 – $4,700,000 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Horsepower | 504 HP | 675 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 125 kts (232 km/h) | 133 kts (246 km/h) |
| Range | 340 nm (630 km) | 330 nm (611 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,680 lbs (1,669 kg) | 5,250 lbs (2,381 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) | 2,347 lbs (1,065 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 76.0 gal (288 L) | 131.0 gal (496 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) | 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,000 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $250,000 | $350,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $80,000 | $100,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $400 | $550 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboshaft | 1 x Turboshaft |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 505
Bell 407
Which Should You Buy: Bell 505 or Bell 407?
Bottom line: Choose the 407 for serious performance, useful load and four-blade smoothness in EMS, utility, law-enforcement and corporate roles — it is the workhorse modern Bell single. Choose the 505 for the most modern light single-turbine with a factory Garmin glass cockpit at materially lower acquisition and operating cost — ideal for training and private flying.
Pick the 505 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,300,000 vs $2,000,000, you save ~$700,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$400/hr vs $550/hr.
- Longer range — 340 nm vs 330 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2017 vs 1996.
Pick the 407 if…
- More seats — 7 vs 5.
- Faster cruise — 133 kts vs 125 kts.
- More inventory — 42 listings vs 25.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.