Md Helicopters 600N vs Bell 505
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | MD Helicopters 600N | Bell 505 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,250,000 – $3,650,000 | $1,300,000 – $2,681,652 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 5 |
| Horsepower | — | 504 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 6 kts (11 km/h) | 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) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 76.0 gal (288 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 35.0 GPH (132 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 |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateMD Helicopters 600N
Fuel$192/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: MD Helicopters 600N or Bell 505?
Pick the 600N if…
- Budget matters — from $1,250,000 vs $1,300,000, you save ~$50,000.
Pick the 505 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$400/hr vs $500/hr.
- More seats — 5 vs 1.
- Faster cruise — 125 kts vs 6 kts.
- Newer design — production from 2017 vs 1994.
- More inventory — 25 listings vs 6.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, MD Helicopters 600N or Bell 505?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 600N cruises at 6 kts.
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?
MD Helicopters 600N: from $3,650,000.
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 MD Helicopters 600N and Bell 505?
505 engine: Safran Arrius 2R (504 hp).
Seats: 1 vs 5.
Cruise: 6 vs 125 kts.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
600N: 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?
600N: 1 seats.
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?
600N: 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