Bell 505 vs Bell 427
The Bell 505 (modern light single-turbine) and the Bell 427 (older light twin-turbine) sit in different classes. The 505 is a 2017 clean-sheet design with a Safran engine and Garmin G1000H; the 427 is a 1999-2010 twin that was succeeded by the 429.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Bell 505 | Bell 427 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,300,000 – $2,681,652 | $915,686 – $3,300,437 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Twin Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 8 |
| Horsepower | 504 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 125 kts (232 km/h) | — |
| Range | 340 nm (630 km) | — |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,680 lbs (1,669 kg) | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 76.0 gal (288 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) | 55.0 GPH (208 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,000 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $250,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $80,000 | $150,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $400 | $700 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboshaft | 2 x Turbo-shaft |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 505
Fuel$165/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$80,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$160,000/yr
Bell 427
Fuel$302/hr
Variable$700/hr
Annual Fixed$150,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$290,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Bell 505 or Bell 427?
Bottom line: Choose the 505 for the newest avionics and the lowest light-turbine operating cost, ideal for training and private use. Choose the 427 only if you specifically need twin-engine redundancy and accept thinner parts support — for new commercial/EMS twin missions, the 429 is the modern successor.
Pick the 505 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$400/hr vs $700/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2017 vs 2002.
- More inventory — 25 listings vs 8.
Pick the 427 if…
- Budget matters — from $915,686 vs $1,300,000, you save ~$384,314.
- More seats — 8 vs 5.
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 505 or Bell 427?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 505 cruises at 125 kts with 340 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Bell 505: from $1,300,000.
Bell 427: from $1,450,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 505 and Bell 427?
505 engine: Safran Arrius 2R (504 hp).
427 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D.
Seats: 5 vs 8.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
505: about $400/hr variable cost.
427: about $700/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?
505: 5 seats / 1,500 lb useful load.
427: 8 seats.
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?
505: 3,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000.
427: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000.
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