H125 vs 206L-4 LongRanger
The H125 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
The Airbus Helicopters H125 (introduced 2015) and the Bell Textron 206L-4 LongRanger (introduced 1992) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the 206L-4 LongRanger carries more passengers. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
H125 vs 206L-4 LongRanger: the key differences
- The H125 delivers 3% more range (H125: 335 nm; 206L-4 LongRanger: 324 nm).
- The H125 delivers 18% more cruise speed (H125: 130 kt; 206L-4 LongRanger: 110 kt).
- The 206L-4 LongRanger delivers 17% more passenger capacity (H125: 6 seats; 206L-4 LongRanger: 7 seats).
- The H125 is the newer design (introduced 2015 versus 1992 for the 206L-4 LongRanger), a gap of 23 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The H125 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (4,960 lbs versus 4,450 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the 206L-4 LongRanger seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
Choose the H125 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 206L-4 LongRanger when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the H125 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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H125 vs 206L-4 LongRanger: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H125 or the 206L-4 LongRanger?
The H125 has the longer published range — 335 nm versus 324 nm for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Does the H125 or 206L-4 LongRanger seat more passengers?
The 206L-4 LongRanger carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 7 seats, compared with 6 on the H125.
Which is faster, the H125 or the 206L-4 LongRanger?
The H125 cruises faster, at 130 kt versus 110 kt for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Which is newer, the H125 or the 206L-4 LongRanger?
The H125 is the newer design, introduced in 2015 versus 1992 for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Is the H125 or the 206L-4 LongRanger the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H125 is the larger aircraft — 4,960 lbs versus 4,450 lbs for the 206L-4 LongRanger.
Should I buy the H125 or the 206L-4 LongRanger?
Choose the H125 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 206L-4 LongRanger when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the H125 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the H125 vs 206L-4 LongRanger?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.