Bell 505 vs Eurocopter H130
The H130 and Bell 505 Jet Ranger X compare a wide-cabin tour single against Bell's modern, economical light turbine.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Bell 505 | Eurocopter H130 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $1,300,000 – $2,590,000 | $586,948 – $2,550,000 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Horsepower | 504 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 125 kts (232 km/h) | 125 kts (232 km/h) |
| Range | 340 nm (630 km) | 330 nm (611 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 23,000 ft (7,010 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,680 lbs (1,669 kg) | 5,511 lbs (2,500 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 76.0 gal (288 L) | 143.0 gal (541 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) | 42.0 GPH (159 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,000 hrs | 3,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $250,000 | $350,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $80,000 | $100,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $400 | $500 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboshaft | 1 x Turboshaft |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 505
Fuel$165/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$80,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$160,000/yr
Eurocopter H130
Fuel$231/hr
Variable$500/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$200,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Bell 505 or Eurocopter H130?
Bottom line: Choose the Bell 505 for lower cost and a modern glass single; choose the H130 for more cabin, more power and tour/EMS refinement. 505 = value/modern-light; H130 = cabin/capability. ================================================================ # Eurocopter H135 / H145 — twin-turbine EMS/utility ================================================================
Pick the 505 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$400/hr vs $500/hr.
- Longer range — 340 nm vs 330 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2017 vs 2001.
- More inventory — 24 listings vs 18.
Pick the H130 if…
- Budget matters — from $586,948 vs $1,300,000, you save ~$713,052.
- More seats — 7 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 Eurocopter H130?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 505 cruises at 125 kts with 340 nm range.
The H130 cruises at 125 kts with 330 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Bell 505: from $1,300,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 505 and Eurocopter H130?
505 engine: Safran Arrius 2R (504 hp).
H130 engine: Safran Turbomeca Arriel 2D.
Seats: 5 vs 7.
Cruise: 125 vs 125 kts.
Range: 340 vs 330 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
505: about $400/hr variable cost.
H130: about $500/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.
H130: 7 seats / 2,400 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?
505: 3,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000.
H130: 3,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000.
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