Eurocopter H130 vs Bell 505

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Eurocopter H130 Bell 505
Eurocopter H130
View 17 listings →
Median $1,746,907
Bell 505
View 27 listings →
Median $1,720,000
Price Range $586,948 – $2,550,000 $1,300,000 – $2,681,652
Category Single Turbine Helicopter Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 7 5
Horsepower 504 HP
Cruise Speed 125 kts (232 km/h) 125 kts (232 km/h)
Range 330 nm (611 km) 340 nm (630 km)
Service Ceiling 23,000 ft (7,010 m) 20,000 ft (6,096 m)
Max Gross Weight 5,511 lbs (2,500 kg) 3,680 lbs (1,669 kg)
Useful Load 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
Fuel Capacity 143.0 gal (541 L) 76.0 gal (288 L)
Fuel Burn 42.0 GPH (159 L/h) 30.0 GPH (114 L/h)
TBO 3,000 hrs 3,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $350,000 $250,000
Annual Fixed $100,000 $80,000
Hourly Variable $500 $400
Engines 1 x Turboshaft 1 x Turboshaft

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Eurocopter H130

Fuel$231/hr
Variable$500/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $200,000/yr

Bell 505

Fuel$165/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$80,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $160,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Eurocopter H130 or Bell 505?

Pick the H130 if…

  • Budget matters — from $586,948 vs $1,300,000, you save ~$713,052.
  • More seats — 7 vs 5.

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 — 27 listings vs 17.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Eurocopter H130 or Bell 505?
It depends on your mission and budget. The H130 cruises at 125 kts with 330 nm range. 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 $2,200,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Eurocopter H130 and Bell 505?
H130 engine: Safran Turbomeca Arriel 2D. 505 engine: Safran Arrius 2R (504 hp). Seats: 7 vs 5. Cruise: 125 vs 125 kts. Range: 330 vs 340 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
H130: about $500/hr variable cost. 505: about $400/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?
H130: 7 seats / 2,400 lb useful load. 505: 5 seats / 1,500 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?
H130: 3,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000. 505: 3,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000. 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